BHA reveals Porter-Mackrell as 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee

David Porter-Mackrell of Newsells Park Stud has been named the Employee of the Year at the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards – sponsored by Godolphin.

Yesterday’s awards ceremony at Ascot Racecourse – attended by The Princess Royal and hosted by ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin – celebrated the contribution of racing’s workforce to British racing and saw £128,500 in prize money handed out across six categories.

Porter-Mackrell, who was nominated by Newsells Park Stud General Manager Julian Dollar, has spent 15 years with his current employer and built up a reputation for “excellence in everything he does”, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) praised. 

Dollar referenced the Head Stallion Man’s “impeccable standards” describing him as “an absolute rock” for the organisation.

Joe Saumarez Smith, Chair of the BHA, said: “I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to David on being named Employee of the Year for 2024. All of this year’s finalists were of an extremely high standard and should feel very proud to have reached this stage.

“This evening’s ceremony was a wonderful occasion, made all the more special by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. 

“I am sure she, like I, greatly enjoyed the privilege of spending time with those who do such wonderful work to ensure that thoroughbreds in Britain receive world-class care and attention and I would like to take the opportunity to thank them all.”

Porter-Mackrell took home £10,000 of prize money, plus a further £10,000 which will be shared among his colleagues at Newsells Park Stud.

Meanwhile, the judges explained that they were deeply impressed with his horsemanship and the part he plays in educating the Newsells Park Stud roster of stallions.

Nick Luck, Chair of the judging panel, added: “David is a richly deserving recipient of the Employee of the Year Award and we are all delighted that somebody with such talent and passion has won.

“The judges were blown away by David during their interviews with him and were left in no doubt that he is an exceptional horseman with a gift for ensuring the stallions at Newsells Park Stud are in the best condition possible, both physically and mentally.

“As well as his skill around thoroughbreds, David also provides an exceptional service to his stud’s clients, ensuring the experience of those making use of a Newsells Park stallion is first class and setting the standard to which his colleagues aspire.

“It is also wonderful to see a member of the stud staff win the top prize this evening. Our breeding industry is vital to the overall success of the sport we love and I hope that David’s success will encourage more studs to nominate their employees for the 2025 awards.”