Nominate today for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

Media Release - Thursday February 12

Don’t wait, nominate - The Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards have entered a new chapter, and nominations are now open.

Formerly the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the Awards enter a new chapter in 2026 with a refreshed name, new award categories and a broader group of industry partners, while staying true to their core purpose of recognising the people who underpin Australia’s world-class thoroughbred racing and breeding sector.

Excellence is never accidental. Across breeding, racing and administration, the people who support our horses and our industry apply skill, care and judgement every day, helping each horse reach its potential and ensuring the highest standards are upheld.

While the spotlight most often falls on the horses as the stars of our sport, their success and the strength of the industry as a whole reflect the dedication of the people working behind the scenes in many different roles.

The ATIEA Awards are our annual opportunity to pause, reflect and say thank you to the people who underpin our entire industry. If someone you work with demonstrates exceptional care, professionalism or leadership, consistently sets high standards in their role, or makes a meaningful contribution to their horses, their workplace or the wider industry, this is your opportunity to recognise them.

Award Categories and Prizes

The Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards continue the program's strong tradition of rewarding excellence, offering generous cash prizes across eight categories:

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  • Dedication to Racing (sponsored by Yulong Stud)
  • Dedication to Breeding (sponsored by Magic Millions)
  • Horsemanship (sponsored by Inglis)
  • Leadership (sponsored by AgriFutures)
  • Administrative and Ancillary Services (sponsored by The Straight)
  • Thoroughbred Care and Welfare (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track)
  • Newcomer Award (sponsored by ATA)
  • NEW: ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Godolphin)

Nominations close in one week, on Monday 16 February.

Please help us spread the word through your teams and networks, and encourage as many nominations as possible. Do not assume someone else will nominate them. If someone has helped a horse, a team or a business reach its potential, take the time to put their name forward.

Nominate now at www.atiea.com.au

Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on the Gold Coast on Monday 25 May 2026, with generous cash prizes awarded across eight categories, including horsemanship, administration, welfare, leadership, newcomers and lifetime achievement.

Don’t wait, nominate today.

More information, including instructions on how to nominate, can be found on the website atiea.com.au.

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