Nominations launch for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

"It was genuine happiness, which the whole team felt." Nicky Henderson reflects on their 2025 Employee of the Year victory.

The stars were out in force at Seven Barrows on Wednesday 3 September, as Nicky Henderson and 2025 Employee of the Year Simone Meloni hosted the launch of the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin.

For over twenty years the awards, organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), have recognised and rewarded the extraordinary people working the length and breadth of British racing and breeding.

The day started on the gallops, where some of National Hunt racing’s biggest names including Constitution Hill, Sir Gino and Jingko Blue, the latter ridden by Simone, gave guests a morning to savour as they prepare for the season ahead.

The spotlight then turned to the human heroes, with Simone and Nicky taking centre stage, alongside 2023 Employee of the Year and TIEA judge, Sarah Guest.

To mark nominations opening for the 2026 awards, they reflected on their experiences of the prestigious ceremony and the importance of celebrating the people working in training yards, breeding operations and racing’s communities.

Simone Meloni, reflecting on his experience of the awards, said: "It was crazy, and I couldn't believe it. I was in shock as soon as it happened, but I started to feel happy and every day I still feel emotional about winning.

“Once I came back to the yard, everyone was celebrating, and I felt so lucky because I could see everyone that was supporting me. I still feel really happy about that."

“The first thing I was thinking about was the team, because that's what you do when you work with horses. It's not about just one person, it's about everybody being compact because once you get that then you get good results."

The trio also featured in a special edition of the BHA Podcast, hosted by Nick Lightfoot, which also highlights the overall importance of the awards to the BHA and British racing, as well as some valuable tips on how to create a perfect nomination.

Six-time champion trainer Nicky Henderson said: "You could nominate all sorts of people, but he was such an obvious candidate and he's fantastic. Everything he's done since he's been here has been done with the most happy and enthusiastic attitude you could ever want, so it wasn't hard to promote. "

"Simone is going to take over and be one of our barn managers this season and he has a lot of experience and knowledge as well."

"It was very special. It was a hell of a night and not surprisingly we had a good few nights here to celebrate and everyone was thrilled. It was genuine happiness, which the whole team felt. It's one behind another here and everyone was so pleased because he's that sort of person. Everyone adores him."

2023 Employee of the Year and awards judge, Sarah Guest said: "It's all about the recognition. For your employer to have picked you out and said they want to nominate you is incredible. It's great and it inspires the staff around you to want to have that same achievement. It ends up being a whole yard experience rather than just an individual one."

Each year £128,500 in prize money is to be won across six categories, generously provided by Godolphin, with a massive £30,000 to be split between the Employee of the Year and colleagues at their yard or stud.

The team at Seven Barrows have put their £15,000 of winnings to good use: investing in a shared social space to relax during lots, enjoy time with colleagues and, crucially, watch the big race wins together as a group – something they all hope to be doing a great deal during the coming Jumps season.

Godolphin’s Diana Cooper explained the impact the awards have on the industry. She said: “We’re so proud to be part of the sponsorship aspect. Godolphin was created as a racing stable. There’s already owner, trainer and jockey awards, but our principle is that those who make the success for others in the industry are the ones that deserve to be recognised.”

“What I’ve loved over the last few years is how embedded the awards are as benchmarks for success and good work. It’s all helping to modernise our industry and the recognition can benefit everyone.”

Nominations are now open for the 2026 awards with £128,500 in prize money to be won across six categories The awards shine a spotlight on the skill, dedication and passion of the people at the heart of British racing and breeding.

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Tuesday 4 November, so if you know someone who is worthy of recognition then please nominate now at www.thoroughbredawards.co.uk