MANTON House Estate’s Rory O’Dowd was one of two Wiltshire winners at the 13th annual Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards in London on Monday night.

O’Dowd, an assistant trainer for Brian Meehan at Manton, won the Leadership Award, with Jamie Bunsell, of Paul Henderson Racing in Whitsbury, taking the Rider/Groom Award.

Both won £5,000 for themselves and another £5,000 each to share amongst their respective yards.

O’Dowd has worked in racing for nearly 30 years and has been assistant trainer for nine, having an in-depth knowledge of each of the 80 horses in training at Manton House Estate.

He has been at the forefront of some of the yard’s notable successes, including Rodrigo de Triano, who he looked after and rode for two years.

O’Dowd, who was presented with his accolade by the champion jump jockey Richard Johnson said: “To be nominated for such an award is an achievement in itself, but being told you’ve won it is unbelievable.

“I didn’t expect to win at all – I’m shocked.

“These awards aren’t just for the 18 of us finalists, they are for everybody else who works in the racing industry.”

The awards recognise the work of exceptional individuals who care for racehorses in Great Britain.