James proves he’s a top lad with award

JAMES RATH, Head Lad for Crossabeg trainer, Liz Doyle, was one of ten people honoured from 330 nominees at the Godolphin Stud and Stable staff awards last week. The ‘In The Saddle Award’ is for a person working in a thoroughbred racing yard or stud farm who has shown exceptional horsemanship, dedication, team spirit and skill in the saddle, such as breaking horses and/or riding out.

James is from Screen and is a brother of trainer, Richie Rath.

He has worked with Liz since 2010. An exceptional horseman, he excels at breaking all the young horses, whether it is a yearling or a difficult four-year-old.

‘When you are dealing with bloodstock that cost significant sums, safety, patience and the enormous amount of “feel” that someone such as James has, are of invaluable importance to the yard,’ it was remarked by his boss, Liz Doyle, who was delighted with his success.

On receiving his award, James commented: ‘It was a big surprise when I got to the final three, to win is great.

‘Every field you pass by in Wexford has a horse in it, everyone is involved. I am up at 5.30 a.m., feed my own horses, then into Liz for 6.30 a.m. to ride out.

‘There are lots of people all around the country that work behind the scenes but never get seen; to get recognised at a night like this is great.’

James received a cash prize of €5,000, a trophy, and a further €3,000 to be shared among his work colleagues. A total of ten awards, worth €84,000, were presented by former All-Ireland winning footballer for Meath and RTÉ G.A.A. analyst, Colm O’Rourke. Richard Forristal, Editor of the Racing Post in Ireland, acted as M.C. for the occasion.