Tag: Kevin Flanery

Kevin Flanery To Be Honored With Warner L. Jones Horseman Of The Year Award This Saturday

Kevin Flanery, who retired as the 13th Churchill Downs Racetrack President last December, will be honored Saturday with the Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award at the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners' 33rd annual awards gala at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $125, which include dinner and drinks, by contacting Marlene Meyer at (502) 458-5820.

The award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to Kentucky racing and sharing the passion exemplified by Jones, who spent 50 years on the Churchill Downs board, including eight as chairman during the iconic track's resurgence. Warner Jones – the first, and so far only breeder of a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders' Cup winner – was the inaugural award winner in 1988, six years before his death.

Steve Asmussen, the 2020 recipient, will also be honored since last year's event was not able to be staged.

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Kevin Flanery Honored As Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ Warner Jones Award Winner

Kevin Flanery is the 2021 recipient of the Louisville-based Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners' Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award. Flanery will be honored at the KTO's 33rd annual awards gala Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Avenue adjacent to Churchill Downs. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. ET, with dinner at 7. Tickets are available for $125, including dinner and drinks, by contacting Marlene Meyer at 502-458-5820.

The award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to Kentucky racing and sharing the passion exemplified by Jones, who spent 50 years on the Churchill Downs board, including eight as chairman during the iconic track's resurgence. Warner Jones — the first, and so far only breeder of a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders' Cup winner — was the inaugural award winner in 1988, six years before his death.

“I am so grateful for this acknowledgement, and I'm especially honored to be recognized by horsemen. Having grown up in the area surrounding Churchill Downs Racetrack, I have a deep appreciation for all the men and women who invest their whole lives into racing. I have always strived to put them first as they are the essence of what is best about this industry,” said Flanery. “I'm genuinely a fan of racing and I love horses. I will be forever thankful for being a part of the history of Churchill Downs. Witnessing the joy of winner's circle triumphs at all levels of the game will always be cherished.”

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners is an educational and social organization dedicated to the betterment of racing in the state. Membership is open not only to owners, but anyone interested in the sport, including prospective owners.

“Kevin may have left the helm at Churchill Downs, but he will always be a part of the racing family,” said Loren Hebel-Osborne, KTO President. “We are grateful for Kevin's leadership for so many years, and Kevin always provided a welcoming bridge between the frontside and backside. As changes were made on a macro level at the track, Kevin made sure that what was good for horses was always the first consideration.”

Because of the COVID-19 health crisis, the KTO was forced to cancel its traditional November awards gala last year. Steve Asmussen, the 2020 recipient, will also be presented his award at this year's event.

“We want to celebrate, elevate and honor the accomplishments of both men – we've got a particularly solid 1 and 1A entry to recognize this year,” added Hebel-Osborne.

Flanery's 15-year tenure at CDI began in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs. He was named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008 before being named the 13th President of Churchill Downs Racetrack and a Senior Vice President of CDI in July 2009. As President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, Flanery led several significant capital investments that greatly improved the live racing experience including permanent track lighting and the Big Board. He also spearheaded major expansion projects including the Paddock Plaza, The Mansion, the Starting Gate Suites and Rooftop Lounge, the Colonnade, the new Infield Gate and, most recently in 2020, the completion of the equine medical center and Matt Winn's Steakhouse.

Flanery came to Churchill Downs following several key positions in government and private business, including secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and president of Hagan Properties.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen recently broke the North American record for wins by a trainer, passing Dale Baird's record of 9,445. Asmussen stands at 9,499 wins over his thirty-five-year career.

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Churchill President Kevin Flanery To Retire At Year’s End

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced WednesdayKe that after 11 years at the helm of the world's most legendary racetrack, T. Kevin Flanery has decided to retire as President of Churchill Downs Racetrack at the end of 2020.

Flanery's 15-year tenure at CDI began in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs. He was named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008 before being named the 13th President of Churchill Downs Racetrack and a Senior Vice President of CDI in July 2009.

As President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, Flanery led a number of significant capital investments that greatly improved the live racing experience including permanent track lighting and the Big Board. He also spearheaded major expansion projects including the Paddock Plaza, The Mansion, the Starting Gate Suites and Rooftop Lounge, the Colonnade, the new Infield Gate and, most recently in 2020, the completion of the equine medical center and Matt Winn's Steakhouse.

“Kevin has been a pivotal leader in the growth and evolution of Churchill Downs,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, “not only at the racetrack, but across the Company. His focus on bold capital investments and unmatched fan experiences has had a direct and enduring impact on the success of the Kentucky Derby and his leadership has navigated Churchill Downs Racetrack through many unexpected challenges, not the least of which has been the unforeseen circumstances of 2020. Having worked side by side with Kevin over the last 15 years, I offer sincere gratitude for his friendship and his leadership and we wish him all the best in his retirement. His has been an important and impactful chapter in the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack.”

“It has been an honor to work with a team that constantly strives to protect the legacy of the Kentucky Derby while creating experiences that resonate in our modern world. The ability of my Churchill Downs team to listen to our fans and our horsemen has informed every move we have made to enrich the Kentucky Derby for future generations,” said Flanery. “Having grown up in the area surrounding Churchill Downs Racetrack, I have a deep appreciation for what this place means to so many in our industry and our community. I will forever be grateful to the horsemen, the community and our guests who allowed me the opportunity to impact the rich and vibrant history of Churchill Downs and the unique culture of the neighborhood. I look forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren and visiting colleagues and friends at Churchill Downs as a fan.”

Flanery came to Churchill Downs following a number of key positions in government and private business, including secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and president of Hagan Properties.

CDI will immediately begin the search to fill the role of President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI, will act as interim President of Churchill Downs Racetrack until a successor is named.

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Churchill Downs President Flanery to Retire at the End of 2020

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that the Louisville oval’s president of 11 years, T. Kevin Flanery, has decided to retire at the end of 2020.

Flanery’s 15-year tenure at CDI began in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs. He was named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008 before being named the 13th President of Churchill Downs Racetrack and a Senior Vice President of CDI in July 2009. As President of Churchill Downs, Flanery led a number of significant capital investments that greatly improved the live racing experience including permanent track lighting and the Big Board. He also spearheaded major expansion projects including the Paddock Plaza, The Mansion, the Starting Gate Suites and Rooftop Lounge, the Colonnade, the new Infield Gate and, most recently in 2020, the completion of the equine medical center and Matt Winn’s Steakhouse.

“Kevin has been a pivotal leader in the growth and evolution of Churchill Downs,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, “not only at the racetrack, but across the Company. His focus on bold capital investments and unmatched fan experiences has had a direct and enduring impact on the success of the Kentucky Derby and his leadership has navigated Churchill Downs Racetrack through many unexpected challenges, not the least of which has been the unforeseen circumstances of 2020. Having worked side by side with Kevin over the last 15 years, I offer sincere gratitude for his friendship and his leadership and we wish him all the best in his retirement. His has been an important and impactful chapter in the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack.”

Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI, will act as interim President of Churchill Downs Racetrack until a successor is named.

“It has been an honor to work with a team that constantly strives to protect the legacy of the Kentucky Derby while creating experiences that resonate in our modern world,” said Flanery. “The ability of my Churchill Downs team to listen to our fans and our horsemen has informed every move we have made to enrich the Kentucky Derby for future generations. Having grown up in the area surrounding Churchill Downs Racetrack, I have a deep appreciation for what this place means to so many in our industry and our community. I will forever be grateful to the horsemen, the community and our guests who allowed me the opportunity to impact the rich and vibrant history of Churchill Downs and the unique culture of the neighborhood. I look forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren and visiting colleagues and friends at Churchill Downs as a fan.”

Flanery came to Churchill Downs following a number of key positions in government and private business, including secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and president of Hagan Properties.

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