Staffordshire-based racehorse trainer Jennie Candlish was forced to close her yard just weeks after one of the biggest wins of her career after one of her horses tested positive for a contagious illness.

Jennie, whose yard is in Cheddleton, was unable to run horses from the beginning of December last year until she was cleared to reopen on Christmas Eve.

One of the horses in her care had tested positive for strangles, which can make it difficult for horses to breathe.

It came just weeks after one of the biggest successes of her training career when Alzahir won the Prox de Bonneval at Chantilly last October.

Jennie, who is now back to her winning ways, has been nominated for the University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Kerry Bogdanski of Dapper Dog Grooming.

Kerry said: “Jennie Candlish deserves recognition because she has built a highly successful dual-purpose yard through ambition, resilience and exceptional horsemanship.

“Her business has delivered sustained results, a standout period for prize money and a growing reputation for improving horses and getting the best out of them.

“Her success has reached black-type level too, with Alzahir giving her a first Listed success on the flat in France, while her runners have also competed at major meetings including Royal Ascot.

“What makes Jennie stand out even more is the way that growth has been achieved. She creates real opportunities for young people in racing, giving them structure, discipline, confidence and a future in the industry.

“Her resilience has also been exceptional. When the yard was forced to close after a positive strangles case, it was handled responsibly and professionally, the outbreak was contained and the yard returned to success.

“Jennie Candlish represents real growth, results, prize money, resilience and opportunity for others. She has built a yard with heart, standards and staying power and she is a very deserving nominee.”

Jennie Candlish Racing has been nominated in the Team of the Year, Growth and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.