G.D. Hieronymus, who has served as Keeneland's Eclipse Award-winning Director of Broadcast Services since 2000, has announced his retirement effective Feb. 1, 2021. Hieronymus will continue to work during Keeneland's Spring and Fall race meets and on special projects for the track and its industry and philanthropic partners.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this institution for the past 20 years,” Hieronymus said. “Keeneland's Broadcast Services is synonymous with excellence. We have raised the bar for our industry and I am proud of this legacy. I'm grateful to my amazing crew and the countless relationships I have made throughout my career and I'm excited to continue my work with the Keeneland team while also expanding my work in the industry.”
“On behalf of the entire Keeneland family, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to G.D. for his leadership, passion and commitment to Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “While G.D. has always celebrated the rich history of our sport, he continues to pave the way for innovations that strengthen racing. We wish G.D. all the best in his retirement and look forward to his continued collaborations with Keeneland.”
Hieronymus began his career in the Thoroughbred industry in Lexington in 1981 at Hammond Communications, where he served for 19 years and was instrumental in the company's growth and success. After leaving his position as Vice President of Production at Hammond, Hieronymus joined the Keeneland team in July 2000 as the Director of Broadcast Services.
During his time at Keeneland, Hieronymus celebrated many groundbreaking achievements and award-winning productions, including:
o Development of the first high definition control room at a Thoroughbred race track in North America;
o Seven-time recipient of the International Simulcast Award;
o 2004 Eclipse Award recipient for Local Television Achievement;
o Directing award-winning commercials and features for Keeneland, Thoroughbred farms and other industry partners;
o Serving as director of photography for the Kentucky Derby Museum film “The Greatest Race,” which continues to be featured today; and
o Winner of the 2012 Charles W. Engelhard Award from the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association for outstanding service and coverage in media for the Thoroughbred industry.
“While G.D. has and always will be a member of the Keeneland family, his talents have benefited the entire Thoroughbred industry,” Keeneland President-Elect Shannon Arvin said. “Keeneland is committed to continuing our support of these events and programs that mean so much to our sport.”
True to Keeneland's mission, Hieronymus has devoted his time and talents to benefit the Central Kentucky community and the broader Thoroughbred industry. He is currently a Trustee of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Under his leadership, Keeneland Broadcast Services annually provides direction and production support for such events as the NTRA Eclipse Awards, KTA-KTOB Kentucky Derby Trainers Dinner, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation's Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland, Thoroughbred Club of America's Honored Guest Dinner, the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony many more.
Hieronymus' community engagement includes work with the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, where he was named Volunteer of the Year in 2013, as well as previous involvement with the Transylvania University Parent Council, LexArts, SummerFest at Woodland Park and the Kentucky Film Commission.
In addition to his continued collaboration with Keeneland, G.D. looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Laura, and daughters, Kelly and Lindsay.
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