A number of individuals providing crucial behind-the-scenes work at racetracks and farms were honored at the 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards on Tuesday night at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. The TIEA, held for the first time in America in 2016, has Godolphin as a principal sponsor, in association with The Jockey Club, the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protection Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Breeders' Cup. Godolphin sponsors equivalent awards in Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, and France. After a shortlist judging panel determined three finalists in six award categories over the summer, a second and final stage of judging, including in-person interviews, took place recently to determine the winners. Those honored Tuesday night were: * Kelly Danner, manager of operations at Churchill Downs, was presented with the Katherine McKee Administration Award. Danner, from a racing family, describes herself as "raised on the backside." In addition to a variety of work at Churchill Downs including coordinating payrolls, organizing trophy inventory, and working on on-site accommodations for owners and trainers, Danner said her favorite part of the job is overseeing Triple Crown nominations in January. "Every story is special,” Danner said as each award finalists was recognized in pre-taped videos highlighting their jobs, in lieu of speeches. “I love the horses, I love the people, I love the history of Churchill Downs." The other finalists were Jamie Bradley, office manager for trainer Steve Asmussen; and Samantha McGreevy, sales manager for Taylor Made Farm. * The Support Services Award also went to a member of the Churchill Downs team, backside security manager Bill Vest. Vest has worked in the industry more than five decades, with roles ranging from work as a blacksmith's apprentice and farm management to his current role. He is a familiar face during the controlled chaos of Kentucky Derby week, overseeing backstretch foot and vehicle traffic to ensure the safety of horses leading up to the major event. The other finalists were Rita Cutler, a security officer for the New York Racing Association; and Tracy Attfield, founder of TLore. * The Dedication to Breeding Award was presented to Jimmy Tate, assistant broodmare manager at WinStar Farm. In more than two decades with that operation, more than 4,000 foals have been born at WinStar, and Tate is estimated to have personally foaled more than half of them. He counts 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver as a favorite. The other finalists were Phillip Hampton, a stallion groom for Darley, and Rafael Zambrano, assistant farm manager for War Horse Place. * The Dedication to Racing Award was presented to Myra "Mickey" Hall, a groom for Graham Motion's Herringswell Stables, based at the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland. Hall worked for icons such as Charlie Whittingham, and with renowned veterinarian Dr. William Riddle before joining the Herringswell team in 2015. The other finalists were Kathy Sanchez, assistant trainer to Tom Amoss, and Laura "Tils" Tilsbury, a hotwalker for Todd Pletcher. * Manuel Hernandez, farm manager for Gary Broad's re-growing Walmac Farm operation, was presented with the Leadership Award. "When you come from Mexico, you come with lots of dreams,” Hernandez said. “You don't find too many places like Kentucky." In addition to his work on the farm, Hernandez is considered a resource and leader to his team, transporting workers around town for necessities such as groceries or medical care if needed. The other finalists were Glencrest Farm manager Gene Guy, and Loretta Lusteg, an assistant trainer to John Kimmel. * The Newcomer Award, presented to an individual who has worked in the Thoroughbred industry for less than five years, went to Dominick "Nick" Merritt, an exercise rider with the Pletcher operation. Merritt, who grew up in Baltimore, did not come from a horse-involved family, but asked to go to the races at Pimlico as a child. Crossing paths with the principals at Bonita Farm led to entry-level jobs in the industry and his eventual opportunity to ride at the track. "I wouldn't trade places with anybody in the world right now,” Merritt said. Merritt was nominated for the award by Jennie Towner, founder of the Baltimore-based nonprofit Saddle Up Scholars, which he serves as a mentor with to give back to the community. The other finalists were Deja Robinson, whose various roles in the industry have led her to a current position as a technician at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and Thoroughbred Daily News social media manager Sara Gordon. In previously-announced awards, Linda Doane of The Healing Place in Louisville, Ky., was named the winner of the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, with Francisco Torres of the Backstretch Employee Service Team the runner-up for that honor. Both honorees were named in August and were recognized on Tuesday night. Doane is the lifestyle program director at Churchill Downs for The Healing Place, which provides food, shelter, clothing, and recovery services to those seeking help for addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Detox and our long-term residential recovery program are offered at no cost to the client. “The phrase that alcoholism and addiction are equal opportunity diseases is so true," Doane says in a description of services on the organization's website. "It’s not just in horse racing, but in all walks of life and all industries. For us in racing, we are lucky that Churchill Downs has partnered and bridged the gap to get help with experts in the community – The Healing Place.” The winners of the Administration, Dedication to Breeding, Dedication to Racing, Leadership, and Support Services Awards will receive a prize of $7,500, with an additional $1,000 to their farm, stable or organization, with two finalists receiving $2,500 each and $1,000 to their farm, stable, or organization as well. The winner of the Newcomer Award will receive $5,000 with $1,000 going to their farm, stable, or organization. Two finalists will receive $2,500 each. As the winner of the Community Award, Doane will receive a prize of $7,500, and an additional prize of $2,500 will be donated to the charity of her choice. Torres will receive $2,500 as the other finalist in this category. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.