Industry’s unsung heroes recognised as ATIEA shortlist revealed

Republished with permission – original media release by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia

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 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards ceremony on Monday 25 May at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast, where participants from across breeding and racing will come together to celebrate the individuals whose dedication, skill and professionalism underpin the industry.

Formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the ATIEA celebrate the people whose work sustains Australia’s world-leading thoroughbred industry. Nominations were received from right across the country, highlighting the depth of talent and commitment within the Australian thoroughbred workforce. The ATIEA Committee congratulates the following nominees shortlisted across seven award categories:

Leadership Award

Sponsored by 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)
Sam Matthews – Swettenham Stud (VIC)

Horsemanship Award

Sponsored by Inglis

Arda Tascioglu – Freelance (NSW)
Brian Davidge Ciaron – Maher Racing (VIC)
Gareth Ford – Yulong Investments (VIC)
James Rapley – Lime Country Thoroughbreds (NSW)
Maddy Dunbar – MD Breaking & Training (NSW)

Dedication to Breeding Award

Sponsored by Magic Millions

Deirdre Foster – Rheinwood Pastoral Co (NSW)
Juan Navarro-Reverter – Widden Stud (NSW)
Sorcha Sweeney – Yulong Investments (VIC)
Tracey Rothall – Alva Stud (TAS)
Verna Metcalfe – Alma Vale Thoroughbreds (NSW)

Dedication to Racing Award

Sponsored by Yulong Stud

Brett Killion – Chris Waller Racing (QLD)
Karen Flaherty – Gavin Bedggood Racing (VIC)
Leonard Todd – Ciaron Maher Racing (NSW)
Rayan Moore – McEvoy Mitchell Racing (VIC)
Tim Hanley – McEvoy Mitchell Racing (VIC)

Administrative and Ancillary Services Award

Sponsored by The Straight

Garry Cuddy – Australian Trainers’ Association (VIC)
Katherine Macaulay – Belhus Racing Stables/Grand Syndicates (WA)
Lauren Fairless – Belmont Bloodstock Agency (VIC)
Matt Harrington – O’Brien Thoroughbreds (VIC)
Suzanne Bray – Godolphin Australia (NSW)

Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award

Sponsored by Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT)

Adele Ioannou – Living Legends (VIC)
Alexandra Kelly – Alex Kelly Horsemanship (QLD)
Jenny Bennett – Australian Turf Club / Hawkesbury Race Club (NSW)
Leticia Griffin – Racing Victoria / LJ Griffin Retraining (VIC)
Tamara Janus – TJ Equine (QLD)

Newcomer Award

Sponsored by the Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA)

Billie Dickie – Chris Waller Racing (QLD)
Bridie Harris – Fernrigg Farm (NSW)
Cooper Albers – Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin (VIC)
Jake Hoad – Chris Waller Racing (QLD)
Monique Merton – Swettenham Stud (VIC)
Quentin Hill – Lindsay Park Racing (VIC)

The ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award, introduced this year and sponsored by Godolphin, recognises an individual who has made an extraordinary and enduring contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry across many years of service. It has attracted an extremely strong field of nominees, and the Committee will be excited to announce the inaugural winner at this year’s ATIEA Awards Ceremony.

Chair of the ATIEA Shortlisting Committee Mary Capuano said the strong response to nominations highlighted the depth of talent across the industry.

“The nominations we received from across the country highlight the remarkable people working throughout Australia’s breeding farms, racing stables and industry organisations,” Ms Capuano said.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of these Awards is seeing colleagues, managers and organisations take the time to recognise someone whose work they truly value. It’s a wonderful reflection of an industry that supports and celebrates its people.

“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.”

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is the new custodian of the Awards on behalf of the industry, with Godolphin supporting the transition and remaining the naming rights sponsor for the 12th consecutive year.

The Awards are also supported by industry partners AgriFutures, Inglis, Magic Millions, Yulong, The Straight, Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) and the Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA).