TWO Gloucestershire racehorse carers have been announced as finalists for the 13th annual Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards, with the winners to be announced on ITV Racing next week.

A unique event, the awards recognise the exceptional individuals who care for racehorses in Great Britain.

Jo Brown, who works at Overbury Stud, is nominated for the Stud Staff Award, and Mick Finn, who works at McPherson Racing, is nominated for the Leadership Award.

As finalists, both Jo and Mick are now guaranteed a share of the £120,000 prize money, with every penny won being matched and shared amongst their yards by sponsors Godolphin.

The awards, organised by the British Horseracing Authority, recognise the dedication and skill of over 6,000 members of stable staff nationwide who provide first class care and attention for the 14,000 racehorses in training in Britain, providing them with a level of care and a quality of life that is virtually unsurpassed by any other domesticated animal.

Jo has been at Overbury since 2000 and was also was put forward by one of the mare owners for a Thoroughbred Breeders Association award, which she won.

Simon Sweeting, of Overbury Stud, said: “Jo is extremely passionate about every aspect of her job and will work as hard as she can to make Overbury Stud a happy and successful environment for horses, owners and staff.

Mick came to help the former barrister, Graeme McPherson, fulfil his dream of setting up as at jumps trainer in 2009.

Under Mick’s leadership they recruited a small team of staff, set up the yard and began to attract owners and horses.

They began with eight horses and have now filled all 35 boxes. This has been a landmark season, sending out 100 winners from the yard. Graeme said: “Mick is passionate about horses, he gives them every care and attention they deserve.”

Jo and Mick are down to the final three in their categories.

The final judging takes place on Monday, February 20, when they are also invited to a special reception in the Houses of Parliament.

The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced at an evening ceremony hosted by ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London on Monday.

Robin Mounsey, spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority and the Horse Comes First campaign, said: “The Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards are a highlight of the racing calendar.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of the heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes of British Racing.

“The staff being honoured by these awards are a small selection of the individuals who make up the workforce within the racing industry, and it’s thanks to all 6,000+ of them that racehorses in Britain are among the healthiest and best looked after two per cent of horses in the country.”