VOTE FOR YOUR STABLE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
We’ve had a great response to this new award, with nominations flooding in for the unsung heroes who are dedicated to their role, whatever the weather. Our judging panel has read their stories and selected a shortlist of 12 – and now it’s your turn… to vote for your own stable employee of the year.
Just review the candidates below and hit ‘VOTE’ to choose your favourite. It’s that simple! The three stable employees with the most votes will be invited to the National Dinner & Dance at Hatherley Manor in Gloucestershire on Saturday 29th June – the winner will be announced on the night.
VOTING CLOSES ON 31ST MAY
STABLE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST
BILLIE BLIGHT
(DANIELLE KENEALY)
A very hard working and committed team member, who always goes above and beyond with the horses and has a lovely bond with them. Billie is kind and caring and always wants the best for the horses, loves caring for them on the yard and making sure they are OK. She tries her best at all times to ensure the yard is running smoothly and that all the horses are happy.
AMBER BURNETT
(LUCY FELTON)
Amber always goes beyond the call of duty and is one of the most loyal girls we ever had work for us. Nothing is ever too much. She loves all the horses individually and makes sure their needs are catered for. She has become part of the family and is amazing with our kids. She’s trustworthy, a happy go lucky girl and even when feeling unwell, will only disappear when ordered!
ELLA CARR-SMITH
(ALICE DAWSON)
Ella came to us in summer 2022 having never been to a point-to-point. We took her to Hexham, she led up her first winner... and was hooked. Now juggling university and her own horses, she comes to as many points as she can. She has high standards and often wins best turned out. She’s happy being at the horsebox and never complains no matter how long the day!
JESS DIGWEED
(GINA ELLIS)
Jess has been with us for three years and – having never ridden racehorses, she’s progressed to travelling head girl. She’s incredibly reliable and her care for the horses is second to none. Busy days at the races always run smoothly and the horses are turned out to a high standard. Jess always has a smile on her face and enjoys nothing more than her horses running well. She’s also good with owners.
JAMES DOWN
(DAVID KEMP)
Long-standing employee James sustained life-changing injuries from a road traffic accident in 2019, but has courageously returned to his passion of stable duties at our yard and continues – thanks to the help of the Injured Jockeys Fund - to be fully active and a key part of our success, despite complications including a cardiac arrest, blood clots and possible leg amputation. James’ motto is, ”We live every day and die once”.
MAX FORESTER
(CHARLOTTE LEARY)
Max works tirelessly all year, whatever the weather. Nothing is too much for him and he treats every horse like they are his own. He is a huge asset to our team, an example of which is –having just broken my pelvis and sacrum in a fall – he has stepped up and taken on the running of the yard while I am injured.
HARRY GREASBY
(MAX COMLEY)
Harry is a great member of staff. He helps with the yard, rides out every day, does a lot of work with the young horses and breakers coming through, comes racing every weekend and is passionate about the sport and enjoys giving new owners a great day at the races. He turns up with a smile on his face every day, rain or shine, and is a brilliant advert for the sport.
DANNI HARRIS
(KELLY MORGAN)
Danni is the hardest working most dedicated person I know, quite frankly without her, I feel like I have lost my right arm. Every day she turns up to work with a big smile on her face, she turns the horses out at the races immaculately and often wins best turned out. She is such a team player and is always sharing her knowledge and helping others. Nobody deserves recognition more.
FREYA HOMER
(HANNAH CLARKE)
This is Freya’s first season with us and in the racing industry. Her dedication is amazing and at only 19, she has gone from strength to strength. She started as a timid yard girl and now takes sole charge at the races leading up, saddling and with the after care of the horses. She is an invaluable member of our team and an advert for young passionate people in our sport!
KERRY LONG
(FRANCESCA POSTE)
Kerry joined us nearly nine years ago as a mum of two young boys and is an integral part of the team. She does all the ground work with the young horses we break-in and her reassuring nature gives them confidence. She is part of our senior team, oversees the running of the yard and mentors the younger team members, helping them to progress.
RUBEN MARSHALL
(TERESA CLARK)
Ruben joined my yard at the age of 11 at weekends, after school and in holidays. He rode the ponies to begin with and started riding the pointers at 13. His dedication and work ethic is second to none, he loves pointing and can take a lead role in the yard and at the races. Not only is Ruben hard-working – he brings humour in the toughest of days in all weathers.
ALI OLIVER
(JAMES COOKSON)
Ali joined us following the London Olympics. 12 years later, she is married with a family and still a wholly reliable member of the team who is key to our success. Her dedication to the horses and her in-depth knowledge of horses and racing has helped us to achieve success for our small private yard of pointers which my youngest daughter rides.