Fertier recognised for thoroughbred industry excellence at Stud And Stable Staff Awards
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Stud And Stable Staff Awards recognised the winners of seven categories at The Star on the Gold Coast on Wednesday. The ceremony hosted by Ally Mosley and James Tzaferis honoured the contributions of staff across the Australian thoroughbred industry with winners representing five different states, highlighting the national breadth of talent within the industry.
The highlight of the evening was Hazel Fertier, who received the Horsemanship Award and subsequently the coveted Thoroughbred Excellence Award. Described as the backbone of several training operations, Fertier has been riding trackwork for over eight years and has worked with more than 14 trainers, showcasing her dedication and expertise with the thoroughbred.
The Northern Territory also made a significant impact. Trudie Clarke was recognised for her 50 years of service within the industry and was awarded the Dedication to Racing Award. Nicole Mutimer was honoured for her work with Off The Track (OTT) thoroughbreds through her company, NT Institute of Equestrian Sport earning her the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award.
With three Awards remaining, Finn McCarthy from McEvoy Mitchell Racing won the Leadership Award, described by Tony McEvoy as a ‘fundamental part of their training operation’. From Western Australia Ngyrie Gonzalez took home the Dedication to Breeding Award, while Emma Cully, the engine room for Star Thoroughbreds, won the Administration and Ancillary Award.
The Newcomer Award category was particularly exciting with all five shortlisted finalists recognised for their contributions to the thoroughbred industry. Isabelle Toole from Vinery Stud emerged as the overall winner in this highly competitive category.
Present at the ceremony were Queensland Minister for Racing, the Honourable Grace Grace and three-time Olympic medalist Shane Rose. Marking a decade of these Awards, we extend our thanks to Caroline Searcy for her invaluable service as judge and host, significantly contributing to the Awards’ success since their inception and to Melissa Weatherley for retiring after volunteering ten years of service to the shortlisting and judging panels.
Each of the winners, except for the Newcomer Award recipient, received $10,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up were awarded $3,000 each. The Thoroughbred Excellence Award winner earned an additional $5,000 and a trophy. In the Newcomer Award category, the winner and runner-up received $5,000 and $3,000, respectively, along with ongoing career development coaching.