Valerie Keatley, head girl for trainer Johnny Murtagh, was honoured with the Irish Racing Excellence Award at the 2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards on Wednesday. Keatley, who also won the Leadership Award (Stable), has been with Murtagh since shortly after he set up his training business and Murtagh credits her contribution as one of the reasons behind the yard's success.
Keatley said, “It was a huge honour to be nominated and be chosen as one of the finalists. To win the Leadership Stable Award and then win the Irish Racing Excellence Award is just unbelievable–I am over the moon, especially when I was nominated with all the other brilliant finalists and winners this year.”
The other award winners are Helen O'Sullivan, career coach with the Irish Jockeys Trust who received the Racing and Breeding Support Services Award; Anne O'Connor, racing secretary to Michael Halford who earned the Administration Award; Ringfort Stud's Keith Lynam, who took the Newcomer Award; Henry de Bromhead's Emmett Raher, winner of the Horse Care Award; Dermot Weld stable lad David Glennon, who took the In The Saddle Award; Caroline Hannon, manager of Newtown Stud who received the Leadership Award (Stud); Ger Brabston, Derrinstown Stud's horsebox driver who earned the Dedication To Racing and Breeding Award; and Jennifer Pugh, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board's senior medical offer who earned a Special Recognition Award. Tramore Racecourse took the Racecourse Award.
The 11 award categories carry over €85,000 in prizemoney which is divided among the winners, finalists, and their employers. The Newcomer Award winner also receives a trip to Dubai. In addition, the winner in each category receives a specially commissioned trophy by sculptor Ani Mollereau.
Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin Ireland, said, “On behalf of Godolphin and our fellow sponsors I congratulate the winners announced today. It is an inspiring array of talent, dedication and enthusiasm–talents which have helped us all navigate our sector through a difficult time. Valerie Keatley deserves particular mention as winner of the Irish Racing Excellence Award. She is a great role model for everyone in our industry and we are delighted that her leadership skills have been credited with that prestigious award by the judging committee.”
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