THE Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards are national awards which recognise the first class that stud and stable staff deliver to racehorses throughout the industry.

There are six categories in all, plus the overall Employee of the Year Award.

Robynne Watton, 45, who is senior travelling manager at Mark Johnston’s yard in Middleham, is one of the three finalists nominated for the Dedication to Racing Award and in with a chance of winning £5,000 prize money for herself and a further £5,000 for the stables.

The winner of this award will also go forward to be awarded the prestigious Employee of the Year Award. The winner of this award will receive an additional £15,000, with the same amount awarded to their yard.

The Awards recognise the dedication and skill of over 6,500 members of stable staff nationwide who provide first class care and attention for the 14,000 racehorses in training in Britain.

Robynne (also known as Red) arrived at Mark Johnston Racing in January 1991 at the age of 21 and has since spent her life either at the yard or travelling to racecourses throughout Britain, Ireland and around the world.

The passion, enthusiasm and attention to detail which Robynne displayed directly from the start saw her quickly establish herself as one of the team of travelling managers. Over the years this has continued and through her loyalty and hard work Robynne developed, and was promoted to the leading travelling manager within the company overseeing a team offive travelling managers and being responsible for the training of the staff who attend the races.

Robynne, who spent Christmas and New Year in Dubai caring for Mark’s racehorses, is often in charge at the races and is the main link between Mark Johnston, the jockeys and owners.

Mr Johnston said: “The heights of the big and glamorous meetings are only a small part of the year for Robynne. as she will often return in the early hours of the morning from Bath or Brighton only to leave on the same day to travel to Musselburgh or Ayr.People sometimes think that they have a long day but Robynne has no set working hours as such as this has become her way of life.”

The winners will be announced at an evening ceremony hosted by presenter Clare Balding at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel, London, on Monday.