Waterford man David Roche was among the award winners at the 2019 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards which were held in the Killashee Hotel, County Kildare last night.
David Roche, the head man at Henry De Bromhead's yard at Knockeen, has been with the stable for over 10 years and has played a significant role in the many big race successes in that time.
Group 1 winners Sizing Europe, Special Tiara and Minella Indo were all under David's care and his application remarked on the inspiration that he brings to all of those working around him in one of the country's top yards.
David commented: "We have everything we need down here In Henry's place in Knockeen. We had a great year, the best year we've ever had. If you can win the best races that's what everybody wants. And to get an award for doing your job is great, and the recognition is very special."
Bernard Caldwell, Chairman, Irish Stablestaff Association, said: "It was an excellent night and it was great to see so many well-deserving members of our industry walk away with such recognition. The standard of the awards scheme was at a new level this year and I would like to thank all of those who nominated stud and stable staff, congratulate all of the finalists and thank Godolphin for their sponsorship and HRI for all their help organising the night."
Joe Osborne, Managing Director, Godolphin Ireland, commented: "The quality of the finalists this year was off the charts and I would like to pay tribute to all of our finalists and winners. There was a huge spectrum of people participating in the awards this year and that could be seen from the enthusiasm and brilliance of the Newcomers Award, to the finalists in the Dedication to Racing & Breeding Award where the three finalists have 150 years of work in the industry between them."
A total of ten awards, worth over €80,000 were presented by well-known writer and comedian, Jarlath Regan. David Jennings, Deputy Editor of the Racing Post in Ireland, acted as MC for the occasion.
The 10 winners and runners-up for the 2019 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards were:
Irish Racing Excellence Award
Audrey O'Neill, Rider/Groom, John Oxx's, Kildare
Racing and Breeding Support Services Award
Wayne Middleton, Strength & Conditioning Coach, RACE, Kildare
Runners up:
Willie Gibbons, Track Foreman, Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin
Perry Power, Track & Facilities Manager, Tipperary Racecourse, Tipperary & Cork Racecourses
Administration Award
Dorothy Fleming, Racing Secretary, Ken Condon Racing, Kildare
Runners-up:
Geraldine Ryan, Office Manager, Camas Stud, Tipperary
Marie Rowley, Racing Secretary, Pat Flynn Racing, Waterford
Newcomer Award
Cheryl McClean, Exercise Rider & Groom, Willie McCreery's, Kildare
Runners-up:
Tom Harney, Stable Lad & Work Rider, Ross O'Sullivan's, Kildare
Chris McGill, Head Lad, John J Hanlon's, Carlow
Horse Care Award
Audrey O'Neill, Groom, John Oxx's, Kildare
Runners-up:
Paul Dupli, Groom/Rider, Martin Brassil's, Kildare
Gerry Hanratty, Meadowcourt Stud, Kildare
In The Saddle Award
David Roche, Head Lad, Henry De Bromhead's, Waterford
Runners-up:
Ganna German, Work Rider & Travelling Groom, Sheila Lavery's, Meath
Martin Molloy, Work Rider, Pat Fahy's, Carlow
Leadership Award (Stud Employees)
Tony O'Meara, Stallion Manager, Coolmore, Tipperary
Runners-up:
Helder Ferreira, Assistant Head Lad, Kildangan Stud, Kildare
Edward Farrell, Head Man, Liseux, Kildare
Leadership Award (Stable Employees)
Emma Connolly, Travelling Head Lass & Assistant Trainer, Noel Meade's, Meath
Runners-up:
Niall Amond, Travelling Head Lad, Jessica Harrington's, Kildare
Damien Byrne, Yard Manager & Travelling Head Lad, Joseph O'Brien's, Kilkenny
Dedication to Racing and Breeding Award
Robert Gallagher, Head man, Michael Halford's, Kildare
Runners up:
Paddy Duffy, Assistant Trainer, Shane Duffy's, Laois
Eamon Leigh, Head Lad, Jessica Harrington's, Kildare
Racecourse Award
Gowran Park
