A total of 301 applications for 260 candidates have been received for this year’s Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, representing the largest number of nominations received in the 13 years since the awards were founded.

“Seeing the nominations rise each year is fantastic as it shows the racing industry is becoming more and more appreciative of these amazing awards,” said Brough Scott, chairman of the judging panel.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has done many fine things through Godolphin, but few better than the ongoing commitment to the Stable Staff Awards which are now established in all major racing territories around the world.

“We have also seen a rise in the number of nominations from Jump yards and Studs which is extremely pleasing, the awards are for everyone and every team in the sport – large or small, north or south, jump or flat.

“Judging the nominees is a difficult task but an immense privilege and I feel lucky just to be a part of the awards.”

Over the course of the next few weeks two judges per category will bring the nominations down to a shortlist of just 10 nominees per category.

The shortlisted nominees will be announced in mid-December.

Once shortlisted the nominees will have a phone interview with both judges of their category. After this the judges will have to bring the shortlist down to just three finalist nominees per category.