Racing Australia drops support for thoroughbred industry awards

Peak industry body Racing Australia has withdrawn its support of a major thoroughbred industry awards night.

Racing Australia has previously played a key role in the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, which are presented on the Gold Coast each May and recognise staff contributions to the success of the industry.

RA launched the awards together with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) in 2015 and has been a major branding sponsor since their inception. Chief executive Paul Eriksson has delivered a speech at the past two ceremonies.

The awards have been rebranded this year as the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA), with TBA assuming custodianship from Godolphin.

Godolphin is working closely on a handover with TBA and it continues its role as naming rights sponsor for the 12th consecutive year.

However, when the sponsors and supporters of the rebadged awards were announced earlier this month, Racing Australia’s name was absent.

The Straight contacted Eriksson to confirm why it has decided to withdraw its support, but has yet to receive a reply.

When asked, TBA did confirm Racing Australia was not involved in the 2026 edition but did not elaborate further.

The sponsors of the event include Agrifutures, the Australian Trainers’ Association, Inglis, Magic Millions, Yulong, Queensland Off The Track, Godolphin, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and The Straight.

ANZ News, The Thoroughbred Report and Racing.com are listed as media partners.

The Awards include Dedication to Racing, Dedication to Breeding, Horsemanship, Leadership, Administrative and Ancillary Services, Thoroughbred Care and Welfare, the Newcomer Award and the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year’s ceremony will be held on the Gold Coast on Monday, May 25. Nominations for the awards close on February 16.