Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) announced Thursday that Cathy Shircliff has been promoted to Director of Equine Industry Relations. In this role, Shircliff will be responsible for the development and implementation strategies for the promotion of racing and stabling at CDI-owned racetrack properties with a focus on the recruitment of stables as well as the cultivation of horse racing fan development.
“Cathy has an unmatched passion for this industry that fuels her drive to find solutions to complex challenges,” said Gary Palmisano, CDI's Executive Director of Racing. “Beyond that effective enthusiasm, she has a unique skill of connecting stakeholders across the industry in a way that generates mutually-beneficial results and, ultimately, benefits the advancement of horse racing.”
A lifelong horse racing enthusiast, Shircliff started her career at CDI as an Event Manager for Churchill Downs Racetrack, where her responsibilities as Stakes Room Concierge included ensuring a stellar guest experience for horse owners. Most recently, she has served as the Director of Community Relations for CDI where she expanded CDI's footprint in Thoroughbred and Standardbred aftercare and facilitated the advancement of key nonprofit partnerships within the industry. In her new role, Shircliff will continue her work with equine industry charitable initiatives with a focus on horse aftercare.
“I am excited to join the dynamic CDI racing team and look forward to innovating ways to incorporate growth into our beloved traditions,” said Shircliff.
Shircliff is a graduate of Georgetown University with a bachelor of science in international business and finance, and a master of public administration in nonprofit management from the University of Louisville. She previously served on the boards of the Backside Learning Center and Kentucky Humane Society and is a current board member of Thoroughbred Charities of America. Prior to a career with CDI, she was the managing partner of Shircliff Publishing LLC, where she coordinated all aspects of the publication, marketing and sales of a book titled, “The Kentucky Derby.”
Shircliff's appointment as Director of Equine Industry Relations will be effective immediately. She will maintain and fulfill select community relations responsibilities through this year's Kentucky Derby.
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