Industry Employee Awards Issued at Keeneland

The fourth Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards concluded Oct. 11 at Keeneland. Jill Byrne, vice president of racing operations at Colonial Downs, was once again the master of ceremonies, with Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott on hand to present the awards.

"Keeneland has always been such a great philanthropic partner to many—not only in the local community, but to the Thoroughbred industry as a whole," said Jimmy Bell, president of Godolphin in America. "We sincerely appreciate their generosity once again in hosting this year's awards ceremony. Thank you to our corporate and media partners who are crucial players in the implementation and facilitation of this months-long process and spreading the word about these important awards.

"To the nominators, thank you. If not for you, we wouldn't be able to shine the spotlight on all of these deserving people that dedicate their lives to taking care of these magnificent animals. And last but not least, congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and winners. We hope by being recognized for your hard work you know you are truly appreciated and placed in the highest regard, and we are forever in your debt."

Dan Metzger, president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, said: "Although this is a different year for these awards, one thing that hasn't changed during the first four years is a common theme of tremendous talent and dedication of the candidates. These are the people that are so vital to our racing and breeding industry, and it's just tremendous to see them being recognized in this way. And on behalf of TOBA, The Jockey Club, and the HBPA, thank you to Godolphin for bringing this program to America and for allowing us to be its industry partners in such a great event."

The full list of winners and runners-up:

Administration Award

Winner: Bessie Gruwell, executive director, Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

(Runners-up: Andrea Greathouse, sales coordinator, Paramount Sales; Maria Catignani, executive director, Charles Town HBPA)

Leadership in Racing Award

Winner: Saul Castellanos, assistant trainer, Mark Hennig

(Runners-up: Destin Heath, assistant trainer, WinStar Farm; Thomas Brandebourger, assistant trainer, Chad Brown)

Leadership in Breeding Award

Winner: Jenny Carpenter, farm manager, Buttonwood Farm

(Runners-up: Joe Peel, stallion manager, Claiborne Farm; Mark Cunningham, farm manager, Airdrie Stud)

Dedication to Racing Award

Winner: Leslie McCall, stable pony rider, Moquett Racing

(Runners-up: Cristobal Trejo, groom, Tomlinson Thoroughbred Training; Janeen Painter, exercise rider, Richard Mandella)

Dedication to Breeding Award

Winner: Ernest Blair, senior broodmare and sales assistant, Lane's End Farm

(Runners-up: Barrett Midkiff, horse transport, Taylor Made Farm; Steve Clark, stallion groom, Godolphin at Jonabell)

Newcomer Award

Winner: Amy Stokes, management assistant, Godolphin at Stonerside

(Runners-up: Courtney Schneider, director of sales, Shawhan Place; Michael Norris, foreman, Katherine Ritvo

Thoroughbred Industry Community Award

Winner: Bobby Lillis, executive director, Maryland Horsemen's Assistance Foundation

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, with total prize money of $128,000, was managed and administered by The Jockey Club, the Horsemen's Protective and Benevolent Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Media partners are Thoroughbred Daily News, BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form, The Paulick Report, and TVG.