Finalists have been announced for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, recognising the outstanding people working across Australia’s thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is the new custodian of the Awards on behalf of the industry, with Godolphin supporting the transition and remaining the naming rights sponsor for the 12th consecutive year.
Formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards recognise the dedication, professionalism and passion of the unsung heroes of our industry.
Finalists have been selected across seven categories, with two finalists in each, following a competitive judging process that highlighted the depth of talent across the industry.
Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Monday 25 May at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.
Chairman of the Judging Panel Johan Petzer said the standard of entries this year had made the task of selecting finalists particularly challenging.
“The quality of nominations this year was exceptionally strong, and it made selecting just two finalists in each category a very difficult process,” Petzer said.
“What stood out was the consistency of dedication and professionalism across all areas of the industry, from breeding farms and racing stables through to horse welfare and administrative roles.
“These Awards recognise people who take enormous pride in their work and make a meaningful contribution every day. Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and a reflection of the respect they have earned from their peers.”
Finalists for the 2026 Awards are:
Dedication to Racing Award (sponsored by Yulong Stud)
• Brett Killion – Chris Waller Racing (QLD)
• Tim Hanley – McEvoy Mitchell Racing (VIC)
Dedication to Breeding Award (sponsored by Magic Millions)
• Deirdre Foster – Rheinwood Pastoral Co (NSW)
• Verna Metcalfe – Alma Vale Thoroughbreds (NSW)
Horsemanship Award (sponsored by Inglis)
• Arda Tascioglu – Freelance (NSW)
• Maddy Dunbar – MD Breaking & Training (NSW)
Leadership Award (sponsored by AgriFutures Australia)
• Lewis Jarvis – Yulong Investments (VIC)
• Neasham Clegg – Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin (VIC)
Administrative and Ancillary Services Award (sponsored by The Straight)
• Garry Cuddy – Australian Trainers’ Association (VIC)
• Matt Harrington – O’Brien Thoroughbreds (VIC)
Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track)
• Alexandra Kelly – Alex Kelly Horsemanship (QLD)
• Leticia Griffin – Racing Victoria / LJ Griffin Retraining (VIC)
Newcomer Award (sponsored by the Australian Trainers’ Association)
• Bridie Harris – Fernrigg Farm (NSW)
• Cooper Albers – Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin (VIC)
Each category winner will receive $10,000 in prizemoney, with $3,000 awarded to the runner-up. The winner of the Newcomer Award will receive $5,000, with $3,000 awarded to the runner-up.
The ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award, introduced this year and sponsored by Godolphin, recognises an individual who has made an extraordinary and enduring contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry across many years of service. It attracted an extremely strong field of nominees, and the Committee will be excited to announce the inaugural winner at this year’s ATIEA Awards Ceremony
To streamline the program, the Thoroughbred Excellence Award has been retired.
The Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are supported by a broad cross-section of industry partners, reflecting a shared commitment to recognising and celebrating the people who underpin the success of the Australian thoroughbred industry.
Tickets for the Awards Night event will be available for purchase from the ATIEA website shortly www.atiea.com.au
