Turf Talk: Middleham assistant trainer, Hogg, takes Goldophin Stud and Stable award

Gemma Hogg who was crowned employee of the year at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2016 in London this week.

GEMMA Hogg, assistant trainer to Middleham handler Micky Hammond, was named as Employee of the Year at the 2016 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in London on Monday evening.

Hogg received the perpetual Godolphin Trophy from presenter Clare Balding and special guest presenter Sir Tony McCoy, along with a cheque for £40,000, of which £20,000 will be shared amongst the staff at Hammond’s Oakwood Stables in Middleham.

Hogg, who also picked up the Leadership award on the night, joined the Oakwood team in 1998 and was particularly commended for her work in rehoming their retired racehorses. Alyson Deniel, who works for Richard Fahey, claimed the Rider/Groom award while Laura Winstanley, who is employed by Sir Michael Stoute, won the David Nicholson Newcomer prize.

Stuart Thom, of Lofts Hall Stud, won the Stud Staff title, with the Dedication to Racing award going to Claire Goodenough, who works for William Haggas, and Lisa Delany from Jockeys Employment Training Scheme winning the inaugural Rory MacDonald Community Award.

A Special Recognition Award, to recognise a member of stud or stable staff who have successfully retrained a former racehorse, went to Joanna Mason after her numerous successes in Retraining of Racehorses competitions with the horse Liverpool.

Brough Scott, chairman of the judging panel, said: “The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards have once again produced a remarkable set of finalists and it has been an honour to meet with them all through the judging process.

“It is never easy having to choose an overall winner from such worthy candidates. Gemma Hogg represents the very essence of vitality, generosity and pragmatism, which are the very best of racing qualities, and will be a fantastic ambassador for the sport.”

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

LINGFIELD: 2.00 Gunner Moyne (next best), 2.35 Sarmadee, 3.10 Leitrim Traveller, 3.45 Justice First, 4.20 James Bond Girl, 4.55 Mossgo.

CHELMSFORD: 5.40 Kristal Hart (treble), 6.10 Eleuthera, 6.40 Grand Meister, 7.10 ENNAADD (NAP), 7.40 Ruby Wednesday, 8.10 Hold Firm, 8.40 Comanche Chieftain.

HUNTINGDON: 2.15 Unison, 2.45 L Frank Baum, 3.20 Gitane Du Berlais, 3.55 What A Scorcher, 4.30 The Green Ogre, 5.05 Boy In A Bentley.

SEDGEFIELD: 2.25 Samtu, 2.55 Seventeen Black, 3.30 Down Time, 4.05 Vazaro Delafayette, 4.40 Baraka De Thaix, 5.15 Captain Sharpe.