The most important and prestigious awards for UK stud and stable staff are the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.
This time around we made nominations for two of our longest serving, hardest working , most professional and dedicated team members and both have been shortlisted for the Awards in February.
Dawn Oxley made the final list for the Leadership Award with Fabrice Smeulders getting through to the shortlist for the Dedication Award.
Dawn Oxley
Head Lass, Dawn Oxley is a thoroughly deserving nominee, having been an integral part of Ian Williams Racing for the past twenty-three years. Dawn has developed into the extremely competent horsewomen and leader she is today, having worked her way through the ranks starting off at the National Horse Racing College, she then spent time with William (Bill) Clay and seven years with Owen Brennan, before starting with us as a stable lass/work rider in 1999 and progressing to the role of Head Lass in 2019.
In this time, Dawn has demonstrated a nature of always putting the horse first, a quality that positively influences and guides the staff around her. Dawn regularly goes above and beyond the remit of her job title and will make herself available for any horse that needs her attention at any time, be it sick or just arriving at the yard out of hours, Dawn will be there to give it the highest level of attention regardless.
We have 100% trust in Dawn’s commitment, and she has previously travelled important horses such as SIR MAXIMILIAN (above top) & MUNSEF (above bottom) to Dubai and Australia for us.
Her attention to detail and wide-ranging equestrian knowledge puts Ian at ease, being a second pair of eyes and ears to rely on. Dawn also cares for her staff and always endeavours to reward hard work and commitment within her team, knowing first-hand the demands of the job, having worked her way up to her current role.
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Fabrice Smeulders
Fabrice has worked at Dominion Racing Stables since the 1st August 1998, initially as a Lad then graduating to Travelling Head Lad in 2000.
Fabrice, a French National, initially rode in the French Provinces riding ten winners for Henri Alex Pantall, following this he worked with, my great friend, Richard Gibson in Chantilly France. In August of 1998 Fabrice joined me at Dominion Racing Stables for a month during his holidays. This is when and where his passion for English racing began, he never returned to France.
Richard Gibson’s loss was our gain. Fabrice’s commitment to his job and his horses are second to none and he showed real determination and commitment to progress within the stable hierarchy. Within two years, Fabrice had been promoted to Travelling Head Lad, a decision which we have never regretted.
Prior to satellite navigation, Fabrice was able to find his way around all the tracks in the United Kingdom and would arrive on time with relaxed and happy horses. We have been very fortunate to have winners in all the English, Scottish and Welsh Racecourses and Fabrice has driven and cared for at least one of those winners at every racecourse.
He has also been relied upon to go further afield, travelling to Australia with MAGIC CIRCLE (above top) and more recently taking, AQWAAM (above bottom), to the Galway Festival, where he subsequently won. His commitment and dedication to his work is second to none, his tack room, saddlery, horsebox, and turnout speak volumes about him as a person, impeccable on all counts. The horses and his job come first, never left for tomorrow or “that will do”. Fabrice sets high standards for others to follow and educates young and old in his methods.
At the races, Fabrice is renowned for hogging the hose, whether it’s washing his horses or his horsebox, it’s time consuming and thoroughly frustrating for others waiting, but normal for Fabrice. He adds his own touch to the presentation of all our horses by personally making browbands with different coloured ribbons to match the owner’s colours, and a “Fleur Du Lys” is often sported on the rumps of our runners. He makes every effort for the owner’s experience at the races to be special. He is well known and respected throughout the racing industry, and particularly by all staff past and present.
It goes without saying that we wish both Dawn and Fabrice all the best for the ceremony in February, but just to be shortlisted is a huge testament to who they are as individuals and to their tireless work ethic and passion to do the very best for the horses and fellow team members.