Finalists found for Industry Excellence Awards

The finalists for the inaugural Industry Excellence Awards powered by Entain, have been named after more than 100 high-quality entries were received for the awards that recognises the future leaders and rising stars of the New Zealand racing industry.

There are 29 finalists across the nine award categories, and the judges found the selection process challenging, due to the depth and strength of candidates nominated.

“We were hugely impressed by the calibre of the nominations, and it was a great reminder of the absolutely outstanding people we have involved in all areas of the racing industry in New Zealand,” Entain’s General Manager – New Zealand and member of the judging panel, Jessica Meech, said.

“We’ve got a lot of thinking to do ahead of the awards evening to decide on the nine category winners and select the overall excellence winner.”

The award categories are: Leadership, Equine Handling (Stud or Stable), Greyhound Excellence, Dedication to Breeding, Dedication to Racing, Administrative and Ancillary Services, Care and Welfare, Newcomer and National Racing Woman of the Year.

The finalists and winner for the tenth category, the Entain Excellence Award, will be announced at the awards evening.

Category winners will receive $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. The overall winner will receive an extra $5,000 on top of their $10,000 category win, and a $5,000 educational package.

IRT, Windsor Park Stud, Waikato Stud and Breckon Farms are also valued supporters of the awards and the awards function, which will be held in Auckland on Sunday, 28 July.

Industry Excellence Awards finalists:

Leadership

Cameron Ring

Sarah Clausen

Hunter Durrant

Equine Handling (Stud or Stable)

Michaela Sobieska

Faith Pollock

Nathan Williamson

Greyhound Excellence

Mikayla Clark

Katie Wyllie

Corey Steele

Dedication to Breeding

Ryan Figgins

Mallory Phillips

Jamie Bartlett

Dedication to Racing

Jazz Leigh

Emma Smith

Sarah O'Reilly

Administrative and Ancillary Services

Jack Collings

Jo Stevens

Scott Buchanan

Care and Welfare

Chanelle Dickie

Anna Baigent

Erika Matterson

Newcomer

Matia Grace

Shannon MacDonald

Raquel Wilkes

National Racing Woman of the Year

Sam Mynott

Caitlin O’Sullivan

Portia Matthews

Emma Smith

Elizabeth Whelan