The Awards formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards will enter a new chapter in 2026, with a refreshed name, the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA), and an expanded industry partnership to further strengthen the recognition and celebration of the people who underpin Australia's world-class racing and breeding sector.
From 2026, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) will be custodian of the Awards on behalf of the industry and Godolphin will be naming rights sponsor for the 12th consecutive year. The new name and management reflect the industry's commitment to recognising the depth and diversity of skill that keeps the thoroughbred sector and sport thriving.
New Category Introduced
The ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award will be introduced in 2026 to honour individuals who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry over many years. To streamline the program, the Thoroughbred Excellence Award will be retired.
TBA President Basil Nolan, a long-standing judge of the Awards, said this new chapter presents an opportunity to further highlight the full breadth of the workforce.
"These Awards are about celebrating the people who make our industry work, not only those hands-on with the horses, but also the staff who keep farms running, maintain our tracks, support the office and administration teams, and contribute behind the scenes in countless ways," Mr Nolan said.
"Since their inception these Awards have honoured outstanding individuals, and the introduction of the new ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award ensures we can also recognise those who have devoted their careers to the betterment of the thoroughbred industry. Their commitment deserves acknowledgement on the national stage."
Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the refreshed Awards reflect the evolving nature of the industry and the importance of recognising its people.
“The Australian thoroughbred industry is built on the dedication, skill and professionalism of its workforce, and these Awards play a vital role in recognising those contributions,” Mr Makiv said.
In collaboration with stakeholders, Godolphin has initiated similar Award programs in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and the United States over the past 20 years.
“We are proud to see these Awards dedicated to the unsung heroes of our industry strengthened in Australia and thank Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and category sponsors for investing in these Awards.”
The Awards also welcome new sponsors AgriFutures and the Australian Trainers Association (ATA), who join a committed group of returning partners: Magic Millions, Queensland Off The Track (QOTT), Yulong and Inglis.
Nominations Open Tuesday 13 January
Nominations for the 2026 Awards will open Tuesday 13 January and close Monday 16 February.
All employers, colleagues, and participants across the racing and breeding industry are encouraged to put forward someone whose commitment and hard work deserves recognition.
Awards Ceremony
Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on the Gold Coast on Monday 25 May.
Award Categories and Prizes
The Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards continue the program's strong tradition of rewarding excellence, offering significant cash prizes across eight categories:
- Dedication to Racing (sponsored by Yulong Stud)
- Dedication to Breeding (sponsored by Magic Millions)
- Horsemanship (sponsored by Inglis)
- Leadership (sponsored by AgriFutures)
- Administrative and Ancillary Services (sponsored by TBA)
- Thoroughbred Care and Welfare (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track)
- Newcomer Award (sponsored by ATA)
- ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Godolphin)
More information, including instructions on how to nominate, can be found on the website, click here.
