Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

The following terms and conditions set out the applicable terms and conditions for nomination and participation in the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA) (the “Awards”).

  1. Nominations for the Awards can be made by, but not limited to, trainers, owners, breeders, stable staff, stud staff including ancillary services such as farmers, gardeners, track staff and office administrators.
  2. Only individuals employed in Australia can be nominated. One nomination form per category is required per person nominated.
  3. Nominations close at midnight (AEST) on Monday 16 February 2026. Nominations received after this date will not be accepted. Self-nominees must provide details of two referees in support of the nominee. Third-party nominators must supply details of one referee (other than the nominator) for the nominee.
  4. All nominations must be submitted using the nomination form on our website homepage.
  5. The ATIEA Committee reserves the right to reject any incomplete nominations.
  6. All nominees must have consented to be nominated and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  7. Nominators and finalists must agree to be contacted by a representative of the ATIEA to verify any information submitted and the eligibility of the nominee. Nominators ought to consider the need to notify the nominee’s employer before making a nomination.
  8. The judging panel (“the Panel”) is aimed at comprising individuals from across the thoroughbred and related industry. The Panel may require some additional information in order to make its determinations. Nominees must make themselves available if required to be interviewed by the Panel.
  9. Award Categories
  • The Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards comprise the following eight award categories:
  1. Leadership Award
    An Award to an individual staff member in a managerial or supervisory role in a stud or stable who has displayed leadership qualities – in particular, in terms of quality people management, mentoring and support of staff, attention to workplace health and safety, commitment to continuous improvement and displaying good business acumen.
  2. Horsemanship Award
    An Award to an individual staff member who has shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability in or out of the saddle. Must include an affinity with horses and giving a priority to animal welfare. Must demonstrate a degree of success with the thoroughbred, whether it be in breeding or racing or both, that has been born out of their particular skill set.
  3. Dedication to Breeding Award
    An Award to an individual staff member who has shown talent, dedication, application and passion in thoroughbred breeding, and consistency and reliability in a stud role. Must have at least five years’ service in the breeding industry and must have been pivotal in their employer’s success.
  4. Dedication to Racing Award
    An Award to an individual staff member who has shown talent, dedication, application and passion for racing, and consistency and reliability in a racing role. Must have at least five years’ service in the racing industry and must have been pivotal in their employer’s success.
  5. Administrative and Ancillary Services Award
    Recognising an employee in an administrative or racing/breeding ancillary role (broadly interpreted) who demonstrates exceptional skills, loyalty or some achievement that has added value to their employer’s business, and contributed directly or indirectly to elevating industry standards..
  6. Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award
    An Award to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the care and welfare of thoroughbreds who have left the industry (racing and breeding). They may have supported horses as they transition to a second career via rehoming/retraining, worked with the people/riders who interact with them or actively participated in activities that showcased the horses’ versatility. For example, a nominee may be a member or coach from organisations such as Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia or Pony Club Australia, a stud/stable employee, or someone who demonstrates an active passion for thoroughbred care and welfare.
  7. Newcomer Award (Stud or Stable)
    An Award to an individual who has worked in the industry, in any capacity, for less than five years. The winner will display passion for, pride in and an excellent contribution to the thoroughbred industry. The winner will stand out from other newcomers and will be identified as a future and significant valuable member of this industry.
  8. ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award
    Recognising an individual employee/participant who has made an exceptional, sustained and significant contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry over an extended period of time and who otherwise may not have been broadly recognised outside these Awards.

    • Additional eligibility requirements, judging processes and prize details may apply to specific Award categories as outlined in these Terms and Conditions.
  1. ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award
  • The ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award is a special Award recognising an individual who has made an exceptional, sustained and significant contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry through their work as an employee or individual participant, contractor and/or service provider over an extended period of time and who otherwise may not have been broadly recognised outside these Awards.
  • Nominations for the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award are made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions, including the general nomination provisions applicable to all Awards.
  • The recipient of the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award is determined by the judging panel (“the Panel”), in its sole and absolute discretion, having regard to the Award criteria.
  • The Panel retains absolute discretion as to whether the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented in any given year.
  • The ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award carries prizemoney aligned with the other categories payable to the winner, however there is no runner-up or secondary prize for this Award.
  • Where awarded, the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Ceremony.
  • The Panel’s decision in relation to the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.
  1. The Panel will aim, but is not required, to select one winner and one runner-up for each award category as outlined in this document other than the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award.
  2. Each of the eight category finalists will be notified in advance of the Awards ceremony and must be available to attend (in person) the ceremony and related activities at the chosen venue on Monday 25 May (or about such date as the ATIEA Committee may otherwise advise). The finalists will be notified by phone and/or email, by a representative of the ATIEA Committee and their details will be released to the media.
  3. The ATIEA will provide for the two finalists of each of the eight categories: 1 x economy class return airfares or equivalent travel allowance to the venue from the finalists’ nearest capital city, 2 x tickets to attend the ATIEA ceremony and one night’s accommodation in a standard room or standard twin room. ATIEA will also meet pre-approved transfers to and from airports. The finalists will be responsible for any incidental expenses in the accommodation.
  4. The prize money in respect of the winners and runner-up of the Awards will be paid by electronic funds transfer (EFT) after the Awards ceremony. The prizes are not transferable or exchangeable.
  5. All prize money will be paid subject to applicable taxes and deductions. There is no alternative prize available.
  6. All nominees may be required to participate in publicity generated for the Awards.
  7. ATIEA reserves the right to use any entries, photographs, media and / or articles of the finalists and winners of an Award for promotional purposes. The nominees agree to the use of any entries, photographs, media and / or articles for future promotional, marketing and publicity purposes in any media with or without any further reference, payment or other compensation to the finalists / winners.
  8. The Panel’s decision is final and made at its sole and complete discretion. No correspondence will be entered into. The Panel and organisers of the ATIEA retain full discretion in the awarding of prizes. They may also decide to not make an Award in a category or categories.
  9. ATIEA reserves the right to change the conditions of a nomination, change a nomination to another category, and / or cancel, or vary the Awards process at any time, whether before, on, or after the closing date.
  10. The conduct of inviting nominations does not give rise to any legal or equitable relationship.
  11. Breach of conditions of a nomination will render a nomination invalid.
  12. No person will be entitled to claim compensation for loss from the Panel, or the organisers of ATIEA for any matter in connection with the Awards, including, but not limited to, a failure by the Panel, ATIEA or any organiser to comply with the conditions of a nomination. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Australia and entrants and nominees hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian courts in connection with any legal dispute that may arise regarding any aspect of the Awards or these terms and conditions.
  13. Privacy

23.1 Personal information about nominees and nominators is collected and used by the organisers of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (“ATIEA”), including the judging panel, for the purposes of administering the Awards and for directly related purposes that a reasonable person would expect, including:

  • contacting nominees and nominators;
  • assessing the eligibility and merits of nominations;
  • verifying information provided;
  • promoting the Awards, including shortlisted and winning nominations; and
  • providing information about future Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, including invitations to nominate or participate in subsequent Awards programs.

23.2 Personal information will not be used for unrelated purposes without consent, except where required or authorised by law. Individuals may opt out of receiving future communications about the Awards at any time.

23.3 Successful nominees may be requested to participate in promotional, media and publicity activities related to the Awards, including activities outside the Awards ceremony.

23.4 By submitting a nomination or accepting nomination, nominees consent to the use of information provided through the nomination process, and to the use of their name, image, likeness, voice, photographs, video and statements, for Awards-related promotional, marketing and publicity purposes in any media, without further reference, payment or compensation.

23.5 Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws.

  1. The Newcomer Award winner may receive an additional prize of an educational experience in Australia tailored to the individual.