Paddy Duffy, assistant trainer to his son Shane, was announced as the Irish Racing Excellence Award winner at the 2023 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, supported by Godolphin in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge on Monday evening.
The awards are run in conjunction with the Irish Stablestaff Association, The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, the Racing Post and equuip.
Paddy has been working in the racing industry for 74 years, working for 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 as his Assistant Trainer 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 won the Racecourse Award for the facilities they offer stable staff.
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.”
The Irish Racing Excellence Award winner received €5,000 and €2,500 for his employer to be used for the benefit of his work colleagues.
Suzanne Eade, CEO at 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.”
The 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.
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