A RIDER and groom at West Somerset-based Philip Hobbs' racing stables has clinched the top prize in one of the industry's most prestigious awards. Liz Welsh, who started her 15-year-long career at the Bilbrook yard at the age of 16, was named stable employee of the year at the Stable Staff of the Year Awards in London on Tuesday. Liz, who travelled to the ceremony with a colleague and Philip's wife Sarah, was reeling from winning the rider/groom category when she was called back on stage to receive the overall title. "I was in absolute shock. It was enough of a surprise to get the category but to win the top prize as well was just amazing," she said. Liz will not only be able to bask in the glory of her success but will also be able to enjoy her total prize money of £12,500 - £2,500 for the category and £10,000 for the title. In addition, a further £11,000 will be shared amongst her colleagues at the stables. Liz secured a place in the finals of the contest, which is sponsored by Godolphin and organised by the British Horse racing Board in association with the Racing Post, after being nominated by a colleague. The judges, who included Racing Post editorial director Brough Scott and racing broadcaster John Francombe, made their decision on the basis of some written questions completed by Liz and a 40- minute interview in London a week before the award ceremony. "They really just wanted to know about me and how I felt about the job. "It's nice to have the dedication and love of horses recognised." Liz, a former West Somerset Community College student whose family home is in Dunster, has maintained her enthusiasm for the job and the passion for horses which developed as a child. But she has added to her skills by completing a massage course with equine physiotherapist Mary Bromiley and has been qualified to work on horses at the Hobbs' yard since 1998. Over the years she has helped care for some of racing's top heroes, including What's Up Boys, but has been especially proud of her care for Racing Post Chase winner Gunther McBride, with whom she is pictured, bringing him back to be able to run and enjoy his racing. Liz received her awards from the Princess Royal and, for possibly the only time in her life found herself "lost for words". "She was lovely, absolutely brilliant. "I can still hardly believe I won - everyone at the yard, including Philip and Sarah, are really chuffed and my parents are thrilled." Photo: Steve Guscott.