ATIEA award nominees announced
The shortlist has been announced for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA), recognising the outstanding people who work across Australia’s thoroughbred breeding and racing sectors.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 ATIEA ceremony on Monday 25 May at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast.
Formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the ATIEA honour the people whose work sustains the industry nationwide.
Nominations were received from across the country, highlighting the depth of talent within the Australian thoroughbred workforce. Chair of the ATIEA Shortlisting Committee Mary Capuano said the response reflected the strength of the industry’s people.
“The nominations we received from across the country highlight the remarkable people working throughout Australia’s breeding farms, racing stables and industry organisations,” Capuano said.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of these Awards is seeing colleagues and employers take the time to recognise someone whose work they truly value.”
“These Awards are about lifting each other up and acknowledging the dedication, horsemanship and care that so many individuals bring to their roles every day,” Capuano said.
The ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award, introduced this year and sponsored by Godolphin, will also be presented, recognising an individual who has made an extraordinary and enduring contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry.
Leadership Award (AgriFutures): Bruce Murray (Coolmore Australia, NSW), Lewis Jarvis (Yulong Investments, VIC), Liam Attwood (Widden Stud, NSW), Marge Ojapold (Ridgeport Farm, WA), Neasham Clegg (Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin, VIC) and Sam Matthews (Swettenham Stud, VIC).
Horsemanship Award (Inglis): Arda Tascioglu (Freelance, NSW), Brian Davidge (Ciaron Maher Racing, VIC), Gareth Ford (Yulong Investments, VIC), James Rapley (Lime Country Thoroughbreds, NSW) and Maddy Dunbar (MD Breaking & Training, NSW).
Dedication to Breeding (Magic Millions): Deirdre Foster (Rheinwood Pastoral, NSW), Juan Navarro‑Reverter (Widden Stud, NSW), Sorcha Sweeney (Yulong Investments, VIC), Tracey Rothall (Alva Stud, TAS) and Verna Metcalfe (Alma Vale Thoroughbreds, NSW).
Dedication to Racing (Yulong Stud): Brett Killion (Chris Waller Racing, QLD), Karen Flaherty (Gavin Bedggood Racing, VIC), Leonard Todd (Ciaron Maher Racing, NSW), Rayan Moore and Tim Hanley (McEvoy Mitchell Racing, VIC).
Administrative & Ancillary Services (The Straight): Garry Cuddy (Australian Trainers’ Association, VIC), Katherine Macaulay (Belhus Racing Stables/Grand Syndicates, WA), Lauren Fairless (Belmont Bloodstock, VIC), Matt Harrington (O’Brien Thoroughbreds, VIC) and Suzanne Bray (Godolphin Australia, NSW).
Thoroughbred Care & Welfare (QOTT): Adele Ioannou (Living Legends, VIC), Alexandra Kelly (Alex Kelly Horsemanship, QLD), Jenny Bennett (ATC/Hawkesbury RC, NSW), Leticia Griffin (Racing Victoria/LJ Griffin Retraining, VIC) and Tamara Janus (TJ Equine, QLD).
Newcomer Award (ATA): Billie Dickie and Jake Hoad (Chris Waller Racing, QLD), Bridie Harris (Fernrigg Farm, NSW), Cooper Albers (Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin, VIC), Monique Merton (Swettenham Stud, VIC) and Quentin Hill (Lindsay Park Racing, VIC).
