Nominations for the Godolphin stud and stable staff awards have opened.

The awards recognise the contribution of the unsung heroes behind the scenes and are in their second year in Australia.

There are six award categories with an overall Thoroughbred Excellence Award recognising an exceptional contribution to the industry.

Mark Newnham, former assistant to trainer Gai Waterhouse, won the top award last season.

Each winner receives a specially commissioned trophy and a share of the $100,000 prize pool.

Nominations close on October 3 with the winners to be decided by a panel chaired by South Australia's chief steward Johan Petzer.

The awards were initiated by Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation in 2005 and are now held in Britain, Ireland, the United States and Australia.