Finalists determined for inaugural Industry Excellence Awards
Greyhound racing is heavily represented with finalists for racing’s inaugural Industry Excellence Awards, powered by Entain.
These awards recognise the valued input into the racing industry by industry participants under the age of 40 across the three racing codes.
Youth is the foundation for any organisation, and these awards recognise the value of under-40s who are tasked with leading the racing industry forward into the future.
Entain reports that the calibre of more than 100 nominations received was of an exceptionally high standard, reflecting the depth and strength of candidates nominated, making the judging decisions to establish the finalists a very difficult task.
There are 29 finalists selected across the nine categories.
“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 winning category finalists and winner for the 10th category, the Entain Excellence Award, will be announced at the awards evening on 28 July in Auckland.
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.
Industry Excellence Awards finalists: (greyhound code finalists highlighted)
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
IRT, Windsor Park Stud, Waikato Stud and Breckon Farms are also valued supporters of these awards and the awards function, which will be held in Auckland on Sunday 28 July.
Congratulations and the very best of luck to all of the greyhound code finalists – you are all winners!
By Peter Fenemor
