McAvaney honoured at ATIEA awards

Broadcaster Bruce McAvaney has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards on the Gold Coast.

Previously known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the Awards showcase the people whose skill, care and dedication underpin the success of Australia’s thoroughbred industry.

McAvaney received the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award, while there were a host of other awards presented to industry professionals during the gala ceremony.

Brett Killion received the Dedication to Racing Award, Verna Metcalfe the Dedication to Breeding Award and Arda Tascioglu the Horsemanship Award.

Neasham Clegg was honoured with the Leadership Award, Matt Harrington the Administrative and Ancillary Services Award (sponsored by The Straight), Alexandra Kelly the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award and Cooper Albers the Newcomer Award.

“Whether you work in breeding, racing, welfare, administration, education, media, transport or any other part of the industry, we are all here because of the horse,” TBA and Aushorse CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy said.

“These Awards matter because they recognise people who are often not in the spotlight. The people who are up before dawn. The people who stay late. The people who notice when a horse is not quite right. The people who teach, lead, care, organise, mentor and keep the whole industry moving.”