The Mosstrooper Awards are the premier annual awards for the Australian Jumps Racing Association, celebrating excellence within the Australian jumps racing community.
The awards honour a variety of participants, including horses, trainers, jockeys, and ground staff.
The awards are named in honour of a famous jumps horse, Mosstrooper, who won several major races in the early 20th century, including both the Grand National Hurdle and Grand National Steeplechase in 1930. Award CategoriesThe Mosstrooper Awards night is a "night of champions" that includes the presentation of several key awards:
- J.J. Houlahan Awards: These championships supported by Racing Victoria recognise the champion jumps horse, trainer, and jockey who accumulate the most points across a series of 16 feature jumps races during the season.
- AJRA Championships: These champtionships recognise the champion jumps horse, trainer, jockey and claimer who accumulate the most wins throughout the jumps season.
- Ground Staff Awards: These awards recognise the dedication of support staff within the industry and include categories such as:
- Horsemanship: For outstanding skill, care, and connection with horses.
- Excellence in Presentation on Raceday: For immaculate turnout of horses.
- Equine Welfare – Life After Jumps: Honouring commitment to retraining and rehoming retired jumpers.
The event typically takes place in September at the end of the jumps racing season.
This is to be award to a participant who has shown skill in horsemanship either on the ground or while riding track work. The winning applicant will be awarded for their ability to work with horses with a focus on their care and wellbeing. This award also highlights the connection the staff member has to animals and their talent in the area of horsemanship both on and off the track.
This award focuses on the presentation of a horse and their strapper. Consistent care in presentation and turnout will be highlighted by those who nominate them. We encourage owners to watch and assess their horses' turnout on race day awhile at the track or via racing.com
This award is dedicated to those who are passionate about rehoming jumps horses in their post racing career. The nominee's commitment to the horses they care for both during it's racing career and after will be key factors for this award.
- $1000 cash sponsored by Country Racing Victoria to be spent by employer on the ground staff team.
- 12 month full membership to the AJRA worth $150.00.
- $1000 cash sponsored by Country Racing Victoria to be spent by employer on the ground staff team.
- 12 month full membership to the AJRA worth $150.00.
- $1000 cash sponsored by Country Racing Victoria to be spent by employer on the ground staff team.
- 12 month full membership to the AJRA worth $150.00.
Who is eligible for the awards?
The awards are open to any ground staff or strapper who is employed by a licensed jumps trainer. Nominations can be made by the person themselves or a friend or colleague.
Who can nominate?
Nominations can be made by any participant in the jumps racing industry. We encourage owners, trainers, staff members and nominees themselves (must provide one reference) to nominate for the awards.
When do nominations open?
Nominations are NOW OPEN and close Monday 8 September 2025.
How do I nominate?
Nominations are NOW OPEN for the Grounds Staff Awards. Submit your nominations HERE.
Can I nominate myself?
Nominees can definitely nominate themselves. You must provide details of one reference as part of your nomination.
Who decides the winners?
A dedicated judging panel from the AJRA and CRV will judge all applications with the awards being presented at the Mosstrooper Awards night.
