Smothers, Arenas, Autry Nominated for Dedication Award

Gregory Smothers, Marcelo Arenas, and Patrick "Shawn" Autry have been named finalists for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards' Dedication to Racing Award. A winner will be announced Nov. 5 during a virtual ceremony scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET. 

Presented by Godolphin, the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards recognize and reward the outstanding talent, diligence, and commitment of the farm and racing stable staff who are at the heart of horse racing. The Dedication to Racing Award is presented to an individual who has worked a minimum of 10 years in the Thoroughbred racing industry, who has shown consistency, reliability, and a talent for Thoroughbred racing horsemanship and must be a pivotal part of his or her employer's success.

Smothers, the head rider for Niall Brennan, has worked for Niall Brennan Stables for 31 years. The two first met at Kinsman Farm where Brennan was the head trainer and Smothers was beginning his career in the industry, and they've been together ever since.

"His passion for the horse is unparalleled and his ability to give a shy horse confidence, an aggressive horse discipline, and all horses the ability to understand the breaking process with the minimal amount of stress is phenomenal," Brennan said of Smothers.

On his 30th anniversary of riding, Smothers was asked to name his favorite horses of the many champions, Derby winners, and Breeder's Cup winners he had started and developed. He was at a loss, stating that those weren't necessarily the most rewarding horses or the ones that made him the proudest—a true testament to his character and horsemanship.

WATCH: TIEA Dedication to Racing Award—Gregory Smothers

Arenas, assistant trainer for Leah Gyarmati Stables, began his career in the racing industry first in his home country of Chile at the age of 16. He came to the United States in 2000 and has continued to pursue his career in this industry, working his way up from hotwalker to groom to foreman and now to assistant trainer.

"He is truly an asset to my barn and in these difficult times. I don't know how I would have made it without him," said Gyarmati, who nominated Arenas for the award. "His experience, and most importantly, his desire to learn and expand his knowledge in the industry, is impressive. His love for the game is evident in everything he does."

WATCH: TIEA Dedication to Racing Award—Marcelo Arenas

Autry, the assistant stable manager for McPeek Racing, has been around horses his entire life, from breaking to exercising riding to training in his own name after taking out his trainer's license at the age of 19. After a training accident in 1994 that left him paralyzed, Autry went back to school. He transitioned from riding and working with horses daily to an office environment.

"Shawn and I go back at least 35 years. I remember when he was one of the best exercise riders around," trainer Ken McPeek said. "He's worked for me since we opened Magdalena Farm. He knows the ins and the outs of this business like no one else and loves it. He has certainly dedicated his life to it. His passion for the horse business will never end."

WATCH: TIEA Dedication to Racing Award—Patrick 'Shawn' Autry