Former Curragh trainer Hughes appointed Godolphin Awards ambassador

The Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards have announced former Curragh-based racehorse trainer Sandra Hughes as their Ambassador for the 2018 awards. Sandra’s role is to encourage as many nominations as possible during the six-week nomination period.

She will be visiting racing yards and stud farms and attending race meetings, bloodstock sales and the ITBA Expo. Nominations are now open for the 2018 Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards and can be made online at www.studandstablestaffawards.ie. The awards encompass 10 categories, which carry total prizemoney of €84,000, an increase of €4,500 from 2017.

Hughes retired from training in April of last year after she was one of a number of trainers cut from Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown Stud operation. She previously enjoyed substantial success in the sport as she trained Grand National winner Thunder and Roses in 2015, along with Grade 1 winner Lieutenant Colonel.