Tuesday 24 February 2015 11:36, UK
Jessica Fortt, stud manager for Dunraven Stud, was named Employee of the Year 2015 at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards on Monday evening.
Fortt was presented with the perpetual Godolphin Trophy by Clare Balding and three-time champion Flat jockey Ryan Moore at a ceremony at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London's Knightsbridge.
She was also presented with a cheque for the total of a £40,000, of which £20,000 will be shared amongst the staff at Dunraven Stud, which is based near Bridgend in Wales and stands two stallions, Dr Massini and Vinnie Roe.
Jessica Fortt audio, courtesy of Racing UK
Brough Scott, chairman of the judging panel, said: "This year's awards have yet again produced a quite outstanding set of finalists and excellent winners.
"Despite the remarkable credentials of the winners, Jessica was a clear-cut choice for Employee of the Year in the eyes of the judging panel.
"Despite not being the typical stud staff breed, at less than five feet tall she shows empathy with each stallion and a natural way of handling them that means her lack of physicality is not an issue. She has been, and still is, involved in all parts of the game, as well as stud life and is also a magnificently refreshing character."
The winners were decided at a formal judging day held in the morning before the ceremony at the British Horseracing Authority's London office, where the finalists were interviewed by members of the judging panel.
Simon Archer, who works for Sir Mark Prescott, was handed the rider/groom prize while Philip Hobbs' assistant trainer Johnson White was given the leadership award.
Lesley White, travelling head lass for Mick Channon, was the recipient of the dedication to racing award with Olly Stevens' head lad Tegan Clark being given the David Nicholson newcomer award and John Gosden's racing office manager Peter Shoemark being presented with the administration staff prize.
