News Jessica McLernon claims top prize at Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Jessica McLernon claims top prize at Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards

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Jessica McLernon was crowned Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Employee of the Year at an awards ceremony in London on Monday.

McLernon has progressed to be Richard Fahey's assistant trainer at Musley Bank Stables in Malton, North Yorkshire.

She was presented with the perpetual Godolphin Trophy by special guest presenter Michael Owen, alongside presenter Ed Chamberlin, at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge in front of a specially invited audience from across the racing industry.

McLernon, who also won the Leadership Award on the night due to her rapid progress since joining Fahey in 2011, was given a cheque for £40,000, half of which is shared amongst the rest of Fahey's staff.

Brough Scott, chairman of the judging panel, said: "The panel's job was as tough as ever with some inspiring stories of dedication, commitment and hard work amongst this year's finalists.

"However, we had to reach a final decision and Jessica is a hugely deserving winner for the amazing progress she has made in her career so far."

The other category winners on the night were: Adrian Stewart of David Loughnane Racing, who took the David Nicholson newcomer award; Petra Sebestikova of Luca Cumani's Bedford House Stables, who was successful in the Rider/Groom category; Sarah Taylor of Mickley Stud, who landed the Stud Staff award and William Reddy, whose years of service with the Johnson Houghton family earned him the Dedication to Racing award.

Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horseracing Auhthority, said: "We are grateful to all of the staff who work day in day out to ensure that the horses who take part in British racing are provided with a level of care and quality of life that is virtually unsurpassed by any other domesticated animal.

"These awards are our opportunity to say thank you to all of them, on behalf of the sport and on behalf of our horses."