Paddy Duffy leads the way at Irish Thoroughbred Industry Awards

Paddy Duffy was a popular winner of the Irish Racing Excellence Award at the Godolphin-sponsored Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge on Monday evening.

Duffy, who received €5,000 and €2,500 for his employer to be used for the benefit of his work colleagues, has been working in the racing industry for 74 years and is currently an assistant trainer to his son Shane.

The veteran's career has included spells with trainers Hubert Hartigan, Jimmy Lenehan, Mick Connolly, PJ Prendergast and Michael Halford. He also spent over a decade in RACE as a riding instructor before joining his son Shane in 2015.

Henry de Bromhead’s team received a Special Recognition Award to acknowledge their resilience and professionalism in the wake of Jack de Bromhead’s tragic passing.

Chosen by the Irish Stablestaff Association, and based on a quality programme evaluation, Ballinrobe Racecourse in Mayo, won the Racecourse Award for the facilities they offer stable staff.

The individual Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winners were:

Niall Amond, Travelling Head Lad, Jessica Harrington, County Kildare

Caitriona Bolger, Barn Manager, Gordon Elliott, County Meath

Natalie Bradley, Yard Supervisor, Eoin Griffin, County Kilkenny (Newcomer Award)

Alex Hutter, PA / Racing Secretary, Gordon Elliott, County Meath

Niko Jenjic, Travelling Head Lad, Michael Halford & Tracey Collins, County Kildare

Nicole Kent, Racing Secretary, Henry de Bromhead, County Waterford

Ciara Robinson, Travelling Head Person, Ado McGuinness, County Dublin

Each Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winner received a specially commissioned trophy by sculptor Ani Mollereau and €4,000. An additional €2,500 was awarded to their employers to be used for the benefit of each winner’s colleagues.

Ballinrobe Racecourse won €2,500 to be spent on upgrading facilities that will benefit stable employees along with an Ani Mollereau trophy.

The awards are run in conjunction with the Irish Stablestaff Association, The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, the Racing Post and equuip.

Joe Osborne, Managing Director of Godolphin Ireland, said: “The 2023 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards were yet again a wonderful celebration of the great people within our industry and all of us at Godolphin extend our congratulations and gratitude to the recipients.”

Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, commented: “It was such an honour to be at the Keadeen on Monday night to celebrate all the fantastic award winners. Their work ethic, organisational skills and most importantly, the expertise, dedication, and devotion they all give to the horses in their care is why Ireland has such an enviable status around the world. They should all be really proud of the important role they play in the reputation and success of Irish racing and breeding.”

Bernard Caldwell, CEO of the Irish Stablestaff Association, said: “Once again, the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Awards, supported by Godolphin, at the Keadeen on Monday evening shone a light on the brilliant people we have working in racing and breeding and the contribution they make to the overall success of the industry at home and abroad. Congratulations also goes to Ballinrobe Racecourse, very worthy winners of the Racecourse Award, they always treat travelling staff like VIPs.”