Lycetts Awards Prize Giving at Sandown Park Racecourse

Earlier this month the winners of the 2021 Lycetts Awards were invited to attend hospitality and a prize giving at Sandown Park Racecourse. It was a fabulous and memorable day for all the judges, guests, sponsors and winners.

Eve Johnson Houghton & team collecting their prize for Farm & Stable’s Award for Innovation and Wellbeing.

Judge Laurence Newton commented ‘Congratulations to Eve and all the team at Woodway. Thoroughly deserved winners of the Farm & Stable Innovation & Wellbeing award. They are a diverse team who have helped and supported each other through the tough times of 2020 & 21, innovating with meetings, dual training and equal opportunities as well as caring for each other via flexible working and job sharing. The wellbeing of both horses and each other shines out of this team everyday, lead with such enthusiasm by Eve.‘

Richard Phillips and team collecting their prize for the Lycetts Team Champions Award.

Judge Dana Mellor commented, ‘A highly competitive and inspirational team. They embrace challenge, genuinely support each other and never miss an opportunity to celebrate. Every team member knows they are valued and appreciated. They’re able to be themselves, enjoy working together and take some time out to juggle other commitments when required.’

Representatives from Dan Skelton’s yard collected Dan’s prize for the Lycetts Leadership Award.

The judging panel commented, ‘Dan Skelton could be an exemplary leader in any sphere he chose. His thoughtful leadership style is marked by a strong sense of curiosity that sees him look outside the world of horseracing to build capability and provide support to his team. Behind every example of teamwork, his guiding hand is evident – his team would follow him anywhere.’

Also presented were the individual Excellence Awards and commendations, sponsored by George Smith Horseboxes

Inclusive Recruitment & Effective Induction – Winner Andrew Balding and Park House Stables

A Safe Working Environment – Winner Dan Skelton

Development & Training – Winners Dan & Claire Kubler

Reward & Recognition – Winner Nick Alexander & Kinneston stables

Commendations

Commendations were also awarded at the Lycetts Awards Prize Giving to acknowledge two trainers who are setting employment standards in Diversity & Inclusion and Pastoral care. Their approaches & leadership in these areas was so impressive, the judges felt they must be recognised.

Special commendation for Diversity & Inclusion: Suzy Smith Racing

Special commendation for Pastoral Care: Ruth Carr Racing