KILDARE, Ireland and DUBAI, UAE, April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Soon-to-retire 19-time UK Champion National Hunt Jockey, AP McCoy, will present the trophies at the inaugural Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards, sponsored by Godolphin, at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge on Tuesday, April 14th.

The legendary Antrim-born jockey will be joined by MC Jonathan Mullin, Irish Editor of the Racing Post, in front of an audience that will include guest of honour Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mohammed Hmoud Al Shamisi, Deputy Head of Mission at the embassy of the UAE in Ireland, Joe Keeling, Chairman of HRI and the finalists in each of the categories, along with invited guests.

AP McCoy: "It is a great honour to be asked to present the awards at the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards sponsored by Godolphin. Over the years I've had plenty of opportunity to see how hard staff work behind-the-scenes and how much they care for the horses. It is wonderful that they are being recognised in this way."

There are 10 categories, which carry total prize-money of €70,000 along with specially commissioned trophies for the winners.

The winner of each of the five main categories, Administration, Stud Employee, Head (or Travelling Head) Lad/Girl, Rider/Groom and Leadership will receive a cash prize of €5,000 each and a trophy. The two runners-up in each of these categories will receive €500 each. An additional €4,000 will also be awarded to the winner's yard or stud.

The winners of the five main categories will be also be nominated for the Irish Racing Excellence Award, the winner of which will receive an additional €5,000 and €5,000 for their yard or stud.

The winner of the Dedication to Racing, Lifelong Learning, Ancillary Services and the Racecourse Award will each receive €2,500 and a trophy.

SOURCE Horse Racing Ireland