Behind-the-scenes workers honored by North American Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

The nominees came from all corners of the country, spanning barns from New York to California to Florida and more, and converged on the "Thoroughbred Capital of the World" as the North American Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards returned to Lexington, Ky., on Friday.

The awards, sponsored by Godolphin, in partnership with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, The Jockey Club, the National HPBA, and the Breeders' Cup, honor those working behind the scenes in the Thoroughbred industry in various roles in breeding, racing, and administration, with seven awards presented overall. The program, which is also presented in England, Ireland, France, and Australia, is now in its fourth year in the U.S., with Keeneland hosting the recognition ceremony on three of those occasions. The only aberration was last year, when Churchill Downs hosted in conjunction with Breeders' Cup week.

“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," Jimmy Bell, president of Godolphin's American operations, said. "We sincerely appreciate their generosity once again in hosting this year’s awards ceremony. ... Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists and winners. We hope that by being recognized for your hard work that you know that you are truly appreciated and placed in the highest regard and we are forever in your debt.”

The Dedication to Breeding and the Dedication to Racing awards went to Ernest Blair and Leslie McCall, respectively. Blair is a stallion, broodmare, and sales assistant at Lane's End Farm in Kentucky, an operation he joined in 1988.

"He's a really big help to us in every aspect of the farm," said Lane's End's Mike Cline, who nominated Blair for the award.

McCall is a stable pony rider for trainer Ron Moquett, and was nominated for the award by the trainer's wife and assistant, Laura Moquett.

The Leadership in Breeding and Leadership in Racing awards were presented to Jenny Carpenter and Saul Castellanos, respectively. Carpenter is the farm manager for Buttonwood Farm, a breeding operation in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Castellanos is an assistant trainer for Mark Hennig, who is based in New York. Castellanos also volunteers his time with the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy and the Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST).

An Administration Awards category was added to the program this year, and its inaugural winner was Bessie Gruwell, who works on the grounds of Delaware Park as the executive director of the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.

The winners of these five categories in racing, breeding, and administration each received a prize of $7,500 with an additional $2,500 being awarded to the winner’s farm or employer. The runners-up in these categories won $2,500 each, with the same amount going to their employer.

The Newcomer Award, which was added to the TIEA program last year, recognizes an individual who has been working in the industry for less than five years, and who shows a committment to the industry and desire to progress. This year's award went to Amy Stokes, a management assistant at Godolphin's Stonerside Farm in Paris, Ky. Stokes received not only $2,500 and $1,000 to her farm, but will also take a five-day educational trip to Dubai. The runners-up in the category receive $2,000, while their employers receive $1,000.

Bobby Lillis, the executive direction of the Maryland Horseman's Assistance Foundation, was previously announced by the first TIEA judging panel as the recipient of the Community Award for his service to the industry.

"Exactly what my goal and mission was, and is, is to help take care of the less fortunate on the backstretch," Lillis says.

Lillis received an award of $7,500, plus $5,000 to donate to a charity of his choice.

Award finalists from the nominees were selected by an initial panel, with those nominees announced in August. A second panel featuring different judges then met with the nominees in October for a final round of judging a day before the awards were presented. Dan Fick, chairman of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, served as a chairman for both boards.

"Yet again, our job was a difficult one as the quality of the group was extremely high," Fick said upon the announcement of finalists. "All those involved, including the nominators, should be very proud of their participation this year."