Thoroughbred industry unites to celebrate its people
The outstanding people behind Australia’s thoroughbred racing and breeding industry were recognised tonight at the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, held at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast.
Previously known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the Awards showcase the people whose skill, care and dedication underpin the success of Australia’s world-renowned thoroughbred industry.
The Awards were introduced in Australia by Godolphin as part of a global commitment to recognising the people who are the backbone of the thoroughbred industry. Godolphin continued its support this year as principal partner of the Awards, which were delivered by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia on behalf of the industry.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Godolphin, to legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney.
TBA and Aushorse CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy said the Awards were an important opportunity to recognise the people who make the industry possible.
“Whether you work in breeding, racing, welfare, administration, education, media, transport or any other part of the industry, we are all here because of the horse,” Mr Hore-Lacy said.
“These Awards matter because they recognise people who are often not in the spotlight. The people who are up before dawn. The people who stay late. The people who notice when a horse is not quite right. The people who teach, lead, care, organise, mentor and keep the whole industry moving.”
“While the horses often become the names we remember, it is the people who give them that chance. Tonight was about acknowledging those people, and making sure their contribution is seen, valued and celebrated.”
“To every winner and finalist, congratulations. Your recognition reflects the skill, care and commitment you bring to the industry every day, and you should be enormously proud.”
Mr Hore-Lacy said the presentation of the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award to Bruce McAvaney was a fitting addition to the program.
“Bruce has told so many of Australian sport’s greatest stories, including some of racing’s most memorable moments,” Mr Hore-Lacy said.
“His voice is part of the soundtrack of racing in this country, and his respect for the horse, the people and the emotion of the sport has helped bring those stories into homes across Australia.”
“To recognise Bruce as the inaugural recipient of the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award is incredibly special, and a fitting tribute to someone whose contribution to racing has been felt across generations.”
While Mr McAvaney has been recognised across Australian sport and broadcasting, the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award carries a particular significance for racing, giving the thoroughbred industry an opportunity to formally thank one of its great storytellers.
Bruce McAvaney said he was deeply honoured to receive the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award.
“It is an incredible sport,” Mr McAvaney said.
“The more about the sport you think you know, the less about the sport you really know. It’s fascinating, it’s elusive, you never really conquer it.”
“If I put a full stop to my life in Australian racing today, there are two race days that stand alone. The 2005 Melbourne Cup, when Makybe Diva won it for the third time, and the 2019 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, when Royal Randwick was a sea of blue and white, when we said goodbye to the greatest racehorse this country has ever seen, in Winx.”
“Every one of us in this room has experienced the thrill of a famous final furlong, and that emotion that swirls when a champion returns to scale.”
“Great racing is great sport, and tonight I have received one of the greatest honours of my life. Thank you very much.”
The 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winners were:
Dedication to Racing Award (sponsored by Yulong Stud)
• Brett Killion (QLD)
Dedication to Breeding Award (sponsored by Magic Millions)
• Verna Metcalfe (NSW)
Horsemanship Award (sponsored by Inglis)
• Arda Tascioglu (NSW)
Leadership Award (sponsored by AgriFutures Australia)
• Neasham Clegg (VIC)
Administrative and Ancillary Services Award (sponsored by The Straight)
• Matt Harrington (VIC)
Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track)
• Alexandra Kelly (QLD)
Newcomer Award (sponsored by the Australian Trainers’ Association)
• Cooper Albers (VIC)
ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Godolphin)
• Bruce McAvaney (SA)
TBA congratulates all winners and finalists, and thanks the sponsors, judges, nominators, employers, families and supporters who contributed to the Awards.