Paddy Trainor Named Employee of the Year at the GSSSA

Johnston Racing's Patrick 'Paddy' Trainor was named the Employee of the Year at the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards on Monday. Hosted by Oli Bell, the ceremony was held virtually and broadcast live on Racing TV. The awards were organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in conjunction with media partners Racing Post and Racing TV.

Trainor will receive £10,000, with the same amount shared with his colleagues at Johnston Racing, as well as the Godolphin Trophy. Earlier in the night, Trainor, who has worked for Johnston Racing for 23 years, won the Rider/Groom Award and £5,000, with an equivalent amount once again split between Johnston Racing employees. An Industry Coach, Trainor works with less experienced members of the Johnston team to develop their skills and improve their knowledge of horse welfare.

The full list of winners are as follows:

Employee of the Year & Rider/Groom: Paddy Trainor – Johnston Racing Ltd.

David Nicholson Newcomer: Elouise O'Hart – Ed Walker

Leadership: Tom Messenger – Dan Skelton

Stud Staff: Dulcie West – North Farm Stud

 Dedication: Alyson West – James Ferguson

 Community (In recognition of the wonderful work Rory

 MacDonald achieved at The British Racing School):

Freedom Zampaladus – Urban Equestrian Academy

Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the BHA, said, “Everybody nominated tonight has done their bit to make horse racing a better sport and for that we are all extremely grateful. Measures have remained in place on racecourses throughout the last 12 months to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, those impacted have adapted their working style admirably and ensured that our sport has continued uninterrupted since its resumption in June 2020.

“My heartfelt congratulations go to all of tonight's winners and nominees, in particular Paddy Trainor, and my thanks go to our sponsor Godolphin and the judging panel for their hard work.”