Nominations open for Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

Nominations for the American edition of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards opened May 8, with the nomination period running through July 15. After multiple stages of judging to determine finalists and then select winners, the honorees will be recognized in a ceremony Oct. 15 at Keeneland.

Global racing and breeding operation Godolphin is the principal sponsor of the awards, which recognize "behind the scenes" players in the Thoroughbred industry, in association with The Jockey Club, the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Breeders' Cup. Godolphin sponsors equivalent awards in Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, and France; the American awards debuted in 2016.

Cash prizes totaling $122,000 will be awarded to winners and two finalists in a total of seven categories, as well as monetary awards to two runners-up. The awards are the Dr. J. David "Doc" Richardson Community Award, Katherine McKee Administration Award, Dedication to Breeding Award, Dedication to Racing Award, Newcomer Award, Support Services Award, and Management Award.

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