TWO Ryedale stable staff have been announced as finalists for the 12th annual Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards.

Alyson Deniel, 44, is a travelling lass at Mews House Stables in Malton, and is also nominated for the Rider/Groom award. Samantha Dwan, 45, works at Woodland Stables in Langton, and is nominated for the Dedication to Racing Award

The pair are among six stable staff from North Yorkshire nominated for the rewards which recognise individuals who care for racehorses in Great Britain.

All six are guaranteed a share of the £120,000 prize money, with every penny they win being matched and shared among their yard by sponsors Godolphin.

Alyson joined Mews House in 2010 with 25 years of racing knowledge up her sleeve. Alyson looks after racehorses as they travel to races across the world. Most recently Alyson travelled with one of the horses, Birchwood, to Keeneland in America.

Richard Fahey, of Mews House Stables, said: "You know when you send a horse away with Aly that he will get the best of everything. It can be quite an intimidating experience, travelling over to a country, but Aly takes it all in her stride."

Samantha is in her 23rd year of working at Woodland Stables and has a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing the running of the office, submitting race entries, declarations, making sure that all horses passports and stable staff information is up to date as well being involved in the yard.

Nigel Tinkler, of Woodland Stables, said: "Even though it has been many years since Samantha hung up her riding boots she is still hands on, assisting with legging up, helping the vets with horses, driving the horsebox to the gallops, amongst many other jobs. She thoroughly deserves this award.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by Clare Balding and Sir AP McCoy in London on Monday.