Community Award shortlist announced for Thoroughbred Employee Awards

The three finalists in the Community Award category for the 20^th Thoroughbred Employee Awards 2024, sponsored by Godolphin have been announced in advance of the Ascot-hosted event next month.

Joanne Flaherty from Chelmsford City Racecourse; David Letts of Racing with Pride (RWP) and Lauren Semple from Police Scotland/Scottish Racing Academy were nominated by the judging panel as the final three for this prestigious award.

The Community Award is one of the six dedicated award categories and is for any individual connected directly or indirectly to horseracing, including auxiliary and administrative roles who has gone above and beyond the responsibilities of their day-to-day role to make a positive difference to the lives of people or racehorses within the industry, or to charities and communities within which racing operates, and who demonstrate social responsibility and the values of our sport.

John Blake, Chief Executive of Racing Together said: “It is so important that these prestigious awards recognise the front-line work done year-round in the wider community. This shortlist was drawn from an equally impressive larger group who were nominated by a range of industry people and organisations. Good luck to these worthy nominees.”   

On receiving the news, Racing with Pride Committee Member Di Farrell-Thomas said: “We are thrilled to hear that RWP has been shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion Award. Support is ever increasing towards LGBT+ individuals who work in and enjoy the sport of horseracing, and we are proud to say our work, and the network itself has been central to that. RWP has provided a platform to collaborate with industry partners and wider sports to make further positive progress in this area. This award would assist us with increasing our visibility and provide further opportunity for people to engage with our LGBT+ inclusion work.”

The event will be hosted by broadcaster Ed Chamberlin, with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as the guest of honour. The former Olympic event rider and jockey is a longstanding supporter of the industry.

Trainer Gay Kelleway won the award last year for her tireless work supporting people and animals affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine – her work is detailed here.

There are 18 finalists across six Award categories and each runner-up and winner will receive a share of the £128,500 prize-money provided by Godolphin.

For a full list of all the finalists and award details please visit this page.