BHA STUD & STABLE STAFF AWARDS

Racing Post

Congratulations to Charlie Wood, Stud Groom at Juddmonte Farms Side Hill Stud, who won the BHA Stud Staff category at last night's award ceremony

CATEGORY WINNERS IN THEIR OWN WORDS

I’m very proud to have won, although you’re only as good as the staff you work with – I’m lucky there.

When I was growing up in the Cotswolds, I spent the week doing work experience at one of William Hill’s studs after school and thought, ‘This is what I want to do’.

I joined the National Stud in 1967, and in 1973 I was appointed second head man. I was there until 1984, when I moved to Side Hill Stud.

I love doing what I do, especially working with young foals. We foal about 50 to 60 mares each season.

I like a bet, and I look forward to seeing foals go on to a racing career – foals like Attraction, Viva Pataca and Ask. Now, I have a soft spot for the mare Contiguous, who has got Confront, who is with Sir Michael Stoute. He won the Hyperion Stakes at Ascot last year and will hopefully be a Classic horse this year.

STATEMENTS FROM CHARLIE'S MANAGERS AND PEERS

“He is the epitome of calmness and expertise”.
Philip Mitchell, General Manager

 “Great motivator to young people entering the industry”. 
Simon Mockridge, Stud Manager

“Charlie evokes a sense of calmness and has a wonderful sense of humour”.
 Judith Barclay, Senior Stud Hand, Side Hill Stud

Date:  20 February 2008