Stud Manager Andrew Snell
Cheveley Park Stud staff were in the spotlight on Monday evening at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in London. A strong contingent, including Mrs Thompson and her son Richard, was present on the night to support Andrew Snell, nominated in the Stud Staff category, and Max Mcloughlin, up for the David Nicholson Newcomer Award. Making the final is a great achievement in itself, but there was further cause for celebration when Andrew was announced winner of the Stud Staff Award.
Andrew has been an integral member of the Cheveley Park Stud team for 30 years and his mastery of horsemanship is rivalled only by his excellent interpersonal skills. After serving 14 years as Stud Groom, Andrew was appointed Stud Manager in 2004 to oversee the smooth running of Cheveley Park, Warren Hill, Ashley Heath, Strawberry Hill and Sandwich Studs.
“We’ve got a great team at home and without them we couldn’t do anything,” said Snell on receiving his award from Oli Bell. “Massive thanks must go to the Thompson family. It’s been great, especially for the team at home – they deserve this more than I do.”
The stud’s managing director Chris Richardson commended the pair saying: “I’m delighted that Andrew – who has been in the industry nearly 40 years and for 30 of them at Cheveley Park Stud – has been acknowledged by the industry, and it’s a great reflection not only on him but on the staff as well.
“We encourage young people like Max, who are enthusiasts in the industry, into the business and he’s a smart, young lad. He started at the National Stud and has been with us for nearly a year. He’s become a junior assistant with me on the basis of the grounding that he’s had and his knowledge.
“Full marks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for putting on such a fantastic evening,” added Richardson. “The Godolphin awards are very special and recognise staff at all levels.”