“I feel a bit awkward doing these things to be perfectly honest with you,” he confesses. “It is overwhelming, talking about me, what I do and all that–I'm more comfortable hidden behind the horse!

“I'm just keen to make sure I get across a genuine feel for what the job means to me and how important the horses are. It can be tricky vocalising it.”

As it turns out, Porter-Mackrell is a lot better at the task at hand than he might think, at least from this interviewer's perspective, making a difficult job look easy, just as he has his role as head stallion man at Newsells Park Stud for the last 15 years.

Self-promotion and basking in the spotlight might come even less easily to him than it does trying to pick a favourite among the stallions he's doted on in his time at Newsells Park, but then ask him why this career path is the one for him and suddenly he comes into his own.

“One of the reasons why I always wanted to do stallions, apart from the magic of the horses themselves, is the fact that you're so close to them and have such a bond with them,” he explains.

“All being well, you're looking after the same horses over an extended period of time, whereas obviously the yearlings are very seasonal, they come and go, and even the mares move around different yards depending on where they're at in their cycle in the year.

“You're with the stallions day in, day out, year in, year out, and the bond that you build with them is sustained over a long period of time.”

The stallion venture at Newsells Park was in its infancy when Porter-Mackrell joined the team in December 2008, having previously gained experience at Whitsbury Manor Stud and Banstead Manor Stud.

Various bonds have been built in the interim, first with the G1 Criterium International and G1 Eclipse S. winner Mount Nelson (GB) when he retired to become the first stallion to stand at Newsells Park in 2009. He was joined two years later by Equiano (Fr), the dual winner of the G1 King's Stand S. at Royal Ascot.

Both horses went on to spend at least eight years in the devoted care of Porter-Mackrell, but sometimes bonds have to be sacrificed, especially in the ever-evolving stallion business where market forces seem to rule above all else.

In 2017, Mount Nelson moved to Boardsmill Stud in Ireland to cement his position as a National Hunt stallion, while pastures new also beckoned for Equiano in 2021 when he made the transfer to the Irish National Stud.

“It's always a heartbreaker to lose one of the stallions to be honest,” Porter-Mackrell says. “Mount Nelson and Equiano were both here for the best part of 10 years. That's a long time looking after a horse and then one day they're there and the next day they're not.

“Mount Nelson was the first one I lost. He was hard work and everything was hard-earned with him, so that was particularly difficult. It was hard to gain his trust.

“There was the sort of compensation that they're getting another chance in Ireland and a new market to hopefully do well in and get a bit of a second wind. You hope to see them do well, but you hope to have them for their whole career and it's always disappointing to lose them to be honest.”

David Porter-Mackrell with Mount Nelson | Newsells Park Stud

Porter-Mackrell can find comfort in the three stallions currently in his care at Newsells Park, headed by the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. and G1 Eclipse S. winner Nathaniel (Ire), who produced the legendary racemare Enable (GB) from his very first crop conceived at the stud in 2013.

Nathaniel has since been joined on the roster by the G1 St James's Palace S. hero Without Parole (GB) in 2021 and the multiple Group 2 winner A'Ali (Ire) in 2022, keeping Porter-Mackrell on his toes with three very different personalities to contend with.

“They are all different, so different, and you learn something from all of them as well,” he says. “You need to be flexible in your approach and work out what works for that individual and how you can best get the job done in a way that keeps them happy.

“The nicest thing is when you get a horse from the very beginning, when they first get off the track. They've got to learn an entirely different way of life–one minute they're in full work and training and the next minute you're asking them to be calm and relaxed and to saunter around the paddock without being stupid.

“They've got to get used to that lifestyle and make that transition. Watching them become happy with that and seeing them happy, that's where the reward is because if they're happy then you're doing a good job.”

It's a job that not everybody is cut out for. And nor should the responsibility of handling 500kg of horseflesh, brimming with testosterone, ever be taken lightly, requiring a very specific skillset to make a success of it.

Explaining which quality is prized in a stallion handler above all others, Porter-Mackrell says, “First and foremost, patience. If you've got the patience and you have a genuine love and care for them, and you listen to what they're telling you, then you'll come up with the right answers.

“They can be testing, but the one thing that you always have to bear in mind is that they live quite a solitary life. They're not mingling in a herd, like the mares, foals and yearlings.

“You are such a huge part of their life and they're so reliant on you, so if they're having a bad day they're going to tell you about it. The important thing is to listen to them and try to understand and think 'okay, what's making you unhappy here and what can we do about it?' That's the key really.”

Perhaps it's for fear of making one of the others unhappy that Porter-Mackrell couldn't possibly imagine nominating a favourite among the stallions he's looked after. “You can't even engage with that line of thought,” he protests. “They're all so special and you learn something from each of them. It's nigh on impossible to single one out.”

For an interviewer who lazily assumed that Nathaniel would be top of the pile, Porter-Mackrell's parently attitude towards the charges in his care gives a glimpse into why he's so valued by the team at Newsells Park, headed by general manager Julian Dollar who made the nomination for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.

Together the team has enjoyed some memorable days, such as that in 2022 when Desert Crown (GB) proved himself a top-class colt for Nathaniel when sprinting away from his rivals in the G1 Derby at Epsom.

“It's incredible and, professionally, that's what it's all about,” Porter-Mackrell sums up. “You kind of avidly support them [the stallions], believe in them right from the beginning, and look forward to those sorts of days.

“You believe they'll come and, when they do come, it's just magic. And part of the joy of it is watching everybody else appreciate them, hopefully, as much as you do.”

David Porter-Mackrell receives his trophy from Princess Anne | Dan Abraham

It's been less than two weeks since the industry came together to show their appreciation for Porter-Mackrell himself and his efforts over the years. He took home the Stud Staff award, as well as the title of Employee of the Year, not to mention £15,000 in cash and the same amount to be shared amongst his colleagues at Newsells Park.

As enjoyable as it is to talk about the horses who helped to make it all possible, now is the time to find out a bit more about the man himself, even if it means taking him out of comfort zone just a little.

“It all began with the horses as opposed to an interest in racing as such,” he says of his background. “I came into contact with horses when I was about 10 or 11, just on a very casual basis, looking after them and riding.

“I was only ever an average rider and it was never something I was going to do professionally, but I wanted to be around the horses and work with them. I was lucky enough to have somebody sensible tell me that stud work was an obvious line of employment and it just went from there really.”

The 2024 breeding season is Porter-Mackrell's 16th at Newsells Park and three stallions at one time is as many as he's ever had to deal with. Typically, he expects to be working flat out in the coming weeks and months, but don't ever expect to hear him complaining about his lot.

That's simply not his way, instead preferring to focus on the plus points of the industry and everything it has to offer, from the work/life balance he's able to strike to all the boundless opportunities that are available to the right candidate.

“You know that during the breeding season the level of commitment is going to be very high and very time-consuming,” he says. “But you also know that outside of the breeding season you're under far less pressure and you're able to give a bit more back at home. For me it's quite a good balance.

“One of the messages I would love to get across is actually how great this business is. If you have an interest in horses and you have a care for horses, then you're kind of 90 percent of the way there.

“If you don't mind grafting and you're willing to learn, then the opportunities are endless in this job. It's a message I feel quite strongly about because it's quite difficult to attract staff in this industry at the moment and I think it's a shame because it offers a lot.”

Porter-Mackrell's story should certainly be an inspiration to anyone who is thinking of following in his footsteps and pursuing a career in the industry. The rewards that come with it might not ever be as public as those he received at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, but at least then you won't have a pesky interviewer asking you to sum up how it feels.

“It's completely overwhelming to be honest,” Porter-Mackrell explains. “It was over a week ago now and it's still sinking in. You don't expect anything like this and it's been incredible really. How happy people are for you is just amazing. I've had emails from clients and stuff like that, congratulating me.”

Reacting to being nominated by Dollar, he adds, “From the beginning that was the most important thing, since I was first made aware that I'd been nominated.

“Just the fact that Julian has taken the time to nominate me and thought me worthy of it, that's the biggest compliment of all really. He knows me better than anybody and he sees what I do day in, day out, year in, year out.

“And you've got to be in the right environment, with the right support, to be seen to your best, in any walk of life. The fact that I've had that here [at Newsells Park] is also something to be grateful for.”

As for what the future might hold, this is one question Porter-Mackrell has no problem answering, with no plans to change the status quo in the foreseeable future.

“It's what I wanted to do when I was young and it's still what I want to do now,” he sums up. “There are endless opportunities in this industry and there's all sorts of directions you could divert into, but what I do here now, day-to-day, is what I want to do–long may it continue.”

The post Awards Success Still Sinking In For Stallion Devotee Porter-Mackrell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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In a statement released by the Injured Jockeys Fund, the 14-time Champion National Hunt trainer, with whom Kirkby was based, described Kirkby as “one of our best, hardworking lads.”

Nicholls said, “Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today. Sadly, Keagan Kirkby, one of our best, hardworking lads lost his life today riding in a point-to-point. All at Team Ditcheat are mortified. Thoughts with all his friends and family.”

According to the IFJ, the incident occurred on the second circuit of the final race, when the rider's mount ran out through the wing of a fence. Despite immediate attention by the on-course medical team as well as additional support from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services crew, Kirkby could not be saved.

Kirkby joined Nicholls's operation in 2019 and had been awarded employee of the month in December 2021. He was also shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider/Groom category for 2024.

“We are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Keagan Kirkby. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls. The entire Racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential,” said British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chief Executive Julie Harrington.

“The esteem in which he was held is clear from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and made it through to the final 10 in his category. The nomination spoke of Keagan's qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses, understands their characters and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his affable, helpful nature and popularity on the yard. We call on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan's family and the Paul Nicholls yard.”

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For the first time this year, in addition to the three finalists in each category, two alternates were also chosen and received monetary rewards. Todd Schrupp, FanDuel TV analyst, served as the master of ceremonies.

Tom Law, Saratoga Special Managing Editor and this year's judging panels chair, commented, “The winners and finalists honored at this year's ceremony, along with the alternates, are truly great representatives of the hard-working individuals in our industry. It's been said many times that they are the backbone of the industry that we all love; and it's absolutely true. And speaking for myself, as well as my fellow judges, we'd like to express our admiration for all the nominees and what they do for our sport.”

The Awards are primarily sponsored by Godolphin in partnership with the National HBPA, TOBA, The Jockey Club, and Breeders' Cup. Media partners are the TDN, BloodHorse Publications, Daily Racing Form, The Paulick Report, Fox Sports, Real Players Inside the Backstretch and FanDuel.

This year the awards received additional monetary and collateral support from category sponsors NYRA, 1/ST Racing, Keeneland, Hallway Feeds, NTRA, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and Churchill Downs.

The winners of the Leadership, Breeding and Racing, the Support Services, as well as the Administration category, will receive a prize of $7,500 to the winner, and their farm/stable also receives $1,000. Two finalists are each awarded $2,500, and their respective farms/stables receive $1,000. Separate from the winner and two finalists, two runners-up receive $2,000 each.

The winner of the Newcomer Award will receive $5,000 and $1,000 to their farm/stable. Two finalists are each awarded $2,500. Two alternates receive $1,000 each.

The winner of the Community Award will receive a prize of $7,500 with an additional prize of $2,500 going to the charity of their choice. The runner-up will receive $2,500. Two alternates will receive $1,500 each.

The full list of winners, finalists and alternates are:
Newcomer Award, sponsored by NYRA
Winner: Dominick Merritt, Exercise Rider, Todd Pletcher
Finalists: Deja Robinson, Ed Brown Society and Nursing Staff Technician with Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital; Sara Gordon, Social Media Manager, Thoroughbred Daily News
Alternates: Adrianne Devaux, Cherie Devaux Racing Stable; Susan Kemper, Coolmore America/Ashford Stud

Support Services Award, sponsored by 1/ST Racing
Winner: Bill Vest, Backside Security Manager, Churchill Downs
Finalists: Rita Cutler, Security Guard, New York Racing Association; Tracy Attfield, Owner, TLore Management
Alternates: Raul Gutierrez, Santa Anita Park; Julie Adair, Farm Owner

Katherine McKee Administration Award, sponsored by Keeneland
Winner: Kelly Danner, Racing Operations Manager, Churchill Downs
Finalists: Jamie Bradley, Office Manager, Steve Asmussen Racing Stable; Samantha McGreevy, Sales Manager, Taylor Made Sales Agency
Alternates: Gwenn Pierce, WB Payson Park, LLC; Eleanor Poppe, New York Race Track Chaplaincy

Dedication to Breeding Award, sponsored by Hallway Feeds
Winner: Jimmy Tate, Assistant Broodmare Manager, WinStar Farm
Finalists: Phillip Hampton, Stallion Groom, Godolphin; Rafael Zambrano, Farm Manager, War Horse Place
Alternates: Harmon Sullivan, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption; Abel Garcia, Four Pillars Holding, LLC

Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the NTRA
Winner: Myra “Mickey” Hall, Groom, Herringswell Stables
Finalists: Kathy Sanchez, Assistant Trainer, Tom Amoss Racing Stable; Laura “Tils” Tilbury, Hotwalker, Todd Pletcher Racing Stables
Alternates: Carlos Davila, Craig Wheeler Racing Stable; Moises Morales, Groom

Leadership Award, sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
Winner: Manuel Hernandez, Farm Manager, Walmac Farm
Finalists: Gene Guy, Farm Manager, Glencrest Farm; Loretta Lusteg, Assistant Trainer, John C. Kimmel Racing Stable
Alternates: Juan Aguilar, Indian Creek Farm; Christine Jones, Pleasant Acres Stallions

Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs
Winner: Linda Doane, Lifestyle Program Director, The Healing Place/Churchill Downs
Runner-up: Francisco Barrera, Backstretch Employee Service Team
Alternates: Merlin Cano, Backside Learning Center; Diana Varon, Keeneland Racetrack Chaplaincy

The post Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Handed Out At Keeneland Tuesday Night appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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There are seven Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and a Newcomer Award, and all eight winners are eligible for the Irish Racing Excellence Award, which will be announced at the awards ceremony. The Racecourse Award winner, chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association, will also be revealed on the awards night. A total of €62,000 in prize-money will be awarded, along with beautifully crafted Ani Mollereau bronzes for each category.

“The nomination deadline for the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards is fast approaching,” CEO of the Irish Stable Staff Association, Bernard Caldwell said. “I would encourage everyone in the industry to nominate and recognize the amazing people we have working behind the scenes in our wonderful sport.”

Nominations can be made online. The awards ceremony will take place in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, County Kildare, on Monday, Oct. 16.

The post Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Noms Close Aug. 14 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Sara Gordon, TDN's Social Media Manager, is a finalist for the Newcomer Award. Gordon, a native of Woodbine, Maryland, is a lifelong equestrian who parlayed her love of horses into a career in turf writing. She is based in Lexington, Kentucky.

With finalists in six categories, the winner and runner-up of the seventh category, the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, have already been decided with Linda Doane of The Healing Place in Louisville, Kentucky awarded the top prize, and Francisco Torres, with the Backstretch Employee Service Team, placing second.

Out-of-town finalists and a guest will be provided with travel and accommodations, while those named will tour a local horse farm and attend a ceremony dinner before an afternoon of racing the following day at Keeneland.

The shortlist judging panel, the first of two, met on Tuesday, Aug. 1 to determine the finalists and runners-up in each category as well as the Community Award winner and finalist. Their meeting was hosted by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York. The second and final stage of judging will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 17, when finalists will meet with the judges for in-person interviews.

Panel Chair Tom Law commented, “It's hard to put into words what it means to be involved with these awards. Everyone in our industry knows someone that works tirelessly, day-in and day-out, to take care of our magnificent two-legged and four-legged friends because they love what they do. The nominees, year-on-year, are a tremendous group, and while we wish we could reward them all, I do hope they feel honored that someone thought enough about them to submit a nomination.

“I'd also like to thank the National HBPA, TOBA, The Jockey Club, Breeders' Cup, and Godolphin, without whose underwriting and support these awards would not be possible to implement. Lastly, a heartfelt thanks to our media partners--The Thoroughbred Daily News, BloodHorse Publications, Daily Racing Form, FanDuel, Paulick Report and America's Day at the Races–for helping to spread the reach of the awards.”

Sponsors of the awards include Hallway Feeds, NTRA, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Keeneland, NYRA and Churchill Downs, and first-time sponsor 1/ST Racing.

The winners of the Katherine McKee 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. For the first time in 2023, separate from the winners and two finalists, two runners-up will receive $2,000 each.

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, and separate from the winners and two finalists, two runners-up receive $1,000 each.

As the winner of the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, Linda Doane will receive a prize of $7,500 and an additional prize of $2,500 will be donated to the charity of her choice. Francisco Torres will receive $2,500 as the other finalist in this category, and separate from the winners and finalist, two runners-up receive $1,500 each.

The 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards finalists are:
Katherine McKee Administration Award sponsored by Keeneland

• Kelly Danner, Churchill Downs
• Samantha McGreevy, Taylor Made Sales Agency
• Jamie Bradley, Asmussen Racing

Runners-up

• Gwenn Pierce, WB Payson Park LLC
• Eleanor Poppe, NY Race Track Chaplaincy

Support Services Award sponsored by 1/ST Racing

• Bill Vest, Churchill Downs
• Tracy Attfield, Tlore
• Rita Cutler, NYRA

Runners-up

• Raul Gutierrez, Santa Anita Park
• Julie Adair, Self

Dedication to Breeding Award sponsored by Hallway Feeds

• Jimmy Tate, Winstar Farm
• Phillip Hampton, Godolphin
• Rafael Zambrano, War Horse Place

Runners-up

• Harmon Sullivan, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program
• Abel Garibay, Four Pillars Holdings LLC

Dedication to Racing Award sponsored by National Thoroughbred Racing Association

• Laura Tilbury, Todd Pletcher
• Kathy Sanchez, Tom Amoss Racing Stable
• Moises Morales, Gustavo Delgado

Runners-up

• Myra Hall, Herringswell Stables
• Carlos Davila, Craig Wheeler

Leadership Award sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

• Lorretta Lusteg, John C. Kimmel
• Gene Guy, Glencrest Farm
• Manuel Hernandez, Walmac Farm, LLC

Runners-up

• Juan Aguilar, Indian Creek
• Christine Jones, Pleasant Acres Stallions

Newcomer Award sponsored by New York Racing Association

• Deja Robinson, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital
• Sara Gordon, Thoroughbred Daily News
• Dominick Merrit, Todd Pletcher

Runners-up

• Adrianne DeVaux, Cherie Devaux Racing Stable
• Susan Kemper, Coolmore America, Ashford Stud

Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award sponsored by Churchill Downs

• Linda Doane, The Healing Place (Winner)
• Francisco Torres, Backstretch Employee Service Team (Runner-up)

Runners-Up

• Merlin Cano, Backside Learning Center
• Diana Varon, Keeneland

The post Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Finalists And Runners-Up Named, TDN’s Sara Gordon A Finalist appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Guest took home a cash prize of £10,000 and an additional £10,000 to be divided among her colleagues at the John O'Shea yard.

Earlier in the evening, Guest was also presented with the Leadership Award, carrying a £5,000 prize and a similar amount for the yard, meaning she and her coworkers each ended with £15,000 following the ceremony.

“Sarah is a richly deserving winner of this prestigious award and, despite the high quality of the finalists brought forward to this evening's ceremony, she was a stand-out selection to be named the Employee of the Year,” said Nick Luck, chair of the judging panel. “There can be no doubting the importance of Sarah to the John O'Shea operation, which was demonstrated to greatest effect during 2022 when John O'Shea was unwell. Sarah is a shining example of the sort of hard work and dedication that keeps yards up and down the country running, and we as an industry can be rightly proud of her dedication to ensuring the well-being of her colleagues and the horses in her care.”

The £30,000 awared to Guest and her colleagues was part of a total of £128,500 offered by Godolphin. The ceremonies were hosted by Francesca Cumani and were organised by the British Horseracing Authority in conjunction with Racing Post and Racing TV.

Prime Minister Sunak Pays Tribute

In a message, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recognised the hard work and dedication of those who work in the Thoroughbred industry across Britain.

Sunak, whose Richmond Parliamentary constituency includes Middleham training centre and Catterick Racecourse, said: “I am delighted that the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are taking place in Yorkshire for the first time.

“From my visits to Middleham, and Catterick Raceourse, both in my constituency, I have seen the sheer hard work, grit and dedication of all in British racing for the horses in their care.

“Tonight's finalists exemplify all that is best about British racing and breeding–an industry which does so much for communities across our country, generates over £4 billion for our economy, and showcases Britain on the global stage.

“I want to see British racing and breeding stay at the front of this global race in the years ahead.

“I wish the best of luck and congratulations to all of tonight's finalists.

“Though, if I may be a bit partisan, I do hope that Becky Smith can do the double for Middleham after Paddy Trainor's victory last year!”

TIEA Finalists (winners in bold italic type)

David Nicholson Newcomer

Amy Grieve – Rose Dobbin

Ryan Kavanagh – Amy Murphy

Stephanie Wing – George Scott Racing

Leadership

Becky Smith – Micky Hammond

Jessica O'Keefe – Venetia Williams

Sarah Guest – John O'Shea

Rider/Groom

Amy Vickers – Harry and Roger Charlton

Emma Tully – Susan Corbett-Girsonfield Stud & Racing

Rita Gillies – Lucinda Russell

Stud Staff

Andrew Rawlin – Blue Diamond Stud

Bethan Byrne – Godolphin Management Co Ltd

Davina Burrows – Deerfield Farm

Dedication

Claire Ricks – Marco Botti

David Crofts – Marcus Tregoning

Patrick McConville – Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd

The Community Award (In recognition of the wonderful work Rory MacDonald achieved at The British Racing School)

Gay Kelleway – For her work supporting Ukraine

Jo Foster – Community racehorse visits

Margo Walsh – The Jockey Club

The post Guest Named Employee of the Year At TIE Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Newcomer Award, sponsored by NYRA
Winner: Johnathan Estrada, Groom, David Donk
(Runners-up: Charles Churchill, Ed Brown Society and 1/ST Racing Intern, Stronach Group; Maddie Rowland, Apprentice Jockey Monmouth Park, Elizabeth Merryman nominator)

Support Services Award, sponsored by I Am Horse Racing
Winner: Laura Scheer, Crossing Guard, New York Racing Association
(Runners-up: Tim Tullock, Jr., Compliance Officer, Maryland Jockey Club; Walter Johnson, Travel Agent, Protravel International)

Katherine McKee Administration Award sponsored by Keeneland
Winner: Darla Shoemaker Gaige, Office Administration, Charles Town HBPA
(Runners-up: Angela Ramsey, Finance Manager and Human Resources, Sequel Holdings; Blair Eads, Production and Marketing Manager, Equix)

Dedication to Breeding Award sponsored by Hallway Feeds
Winner: Don Jenkins, Groom, Darby Dan Farm
(Runners-up: Danny Mitchell, Foaling Manager, Denali Stud; Steve Holbrook, Assistant Manager, Coolmore America)

Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the NTRA
Winner: Felipe Pulido Mendoza, Groom, Richard Mandella Racing
(Runners-up: Alice Clapham, Assistant Trainer, Graham Motion Racing; Danny Ramsey, Exercise Rider, McPeek Racing Stables)

Leadership Award, sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
Winner: Leanna Willaford, Assistant Trainer, Bill Mott
(Runners-up: Anne Eberhardt-Keogh, Visuals Director, BloodHorse Publications; Matthew Zehnder, Equine Resources Coordinator, University of Kentucky Maine Chance Farm)

Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs
Winner: Jessica Hammond, Benevolence and Counseling Director & Program Administrator for Beyond the Wire, Georganne Hale, nominator
Runner-up: Dr. Kyle Roper, Regional Medical Director, CHI St. Vincent

The post Godolphin Announces 2022 TIEA Award Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Julie Harrington, CEO of the BHA, said, “These new-look awards, which are made possible by the generosity of Godolphin, now provide the opportunity for a wider range of industry employees, across the full life cycle of the thoroughbred, to achieve this recognition. I would encourage everybody in our industry to nominate colleagues they would like to see celebrated.”

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She finished her classes and hurried to Rockingham Park to say goodbye to Federal Sin. “Chestnut gelding. White blaze I will never forget,” said Lindemann, recalling her first horse.

She knew the veteran's racing days were over. The parting was made easier because she had been told that he would be adopted as a riding pony. And so she led trusting Federal Sin onto a van, content in knowing that a wonderful new home awaited a horse that meant everything to her.

She later learned the horrifying truth. That van ride ended at a slaughterhouse, where poor Federal Sin met a terrifying end. “You cried and you got over it,” Lindemann said. “But you never forget.”

Her anger, the anguish that accompanied such a betrayal, turned into a passion for keeping other former racehorses from such an awful end. Her dedication to that cause, combined with her skill as an assistant to Joe Sharp, led her to win the Dedication to Racing Award sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. The Dedication to Racing Award is part of the annual Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards created in 2016 by Godolphin USA.

Lindemann, 48, greatly appreciated joining honorees in other categories during mid-October ceremonies at Keeneland. She was selected from among more than 200 nominees. But she said, “That's not what I look for. From the beginning, it was just done from the bottom of my heart, not to get any recognition.”

The same can be said for Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends, a sanctuary for retired Thoroughbreds that he established in 2003. Lindemann and Blowen are kindred spirits – and then some.

They met when they shared a barn at Rockingham, the Salem, N.H., track that ran its final live race in 2009. An 18-year-old Lindemann taught Blowen, then a Boston Globe writer, everything she had learned from Joseph Gilbert. Although Gilbert was illiterate, the native of Cajun country in Louisiana knew so much about a Thoroughbred's legs that he was referred to far and wide as “Shin Buck.”

Lorita Lindemann with Michael Blowen, whom she met during her days at Rockingham Park in New Hampshire

Lindemann was raised by Annette Fantasia, a single mother. An uncle, Alfred Fantasia, worked in various capacities in the racing industry and provided a strong influence. She never knew her biological father.

For the last 30 years or so, Blowen has filled an aching need for Lindemann. “I was looking for a dad,” she said, “and he was looking for a daughter.”

The absence of adoption papers does not matter to either of them. “It doesn't have to be official,” Blowen said. “It just has to be sincere.”

Blowen also was duped while he was new to racing. “They used to say at Suffolk that some of these horses that were broken down were headed to retirement homes in Maine,” he recalled.

He eventually realized there were no retirement homes in Maine, at least not for Thoroughbreds. Blowen did what he could to help Lindemann cope with the loss of Federal Sin.

“I think that changed her whole life,” he said. “She's never gotten over it. I think that still motivates her.”

Lindemann used to feel as if she was a lone voice when it came to the need for aftercare. “You're a kid and you're a woman. You're 18. Nobody is listening,” she said.

She continues to be exasperated by those who do not concern themselves about the future of their horses once they have given their all and cannot race another step.

“These horses are why we have what we have today — houses, possessions. These horses have done this. Without these horses, we couldn't do this,” she said. “It saddens me that people lose that concept along the way.”

On the positive side, the cause has gained tremendous momentum and a level of financial backing that was once only a dream. When there is a horse in need, Lindemann has developed a reputation as one to call.

“I can't even put a number on the number of horses that she got off the track and put in proper places,” Blowen said.

Lindemann regularly places horses above her needs. She only recently scheduled knee surgery to treat an injury she neglected for the last three years.

“She's dogged. She knows who to call and how to ask for something,” Blowen said. “They all respect her on the backside because she knows what she's doing. She's got everybody's trust back there.”

Lindemann with some of her equine friends

Blowen emphasized that each rescue entails a great deal of hard work and some difficult conversations. “It's easy to feel bad for these horses. It's easy to get emotional,” he said. “But it's really, really hard to dig down and find out where they are, find out how to get them out of a situation and find a place for them. That's the hard part.”

When the going gets tough, Lindemann needs only to think of Federal Sin – and that unforgettable white blaze.

Tom Pedulla wrote for USA Today from 1995-2012 and has been a contributor to the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Blood-Horse, America's Best Racing and other publications.

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Katie LaMonica, Charities Manager at Godolphin USA commented, “We feel so fortunate to be able to once again bring all of the finalists back to an in-person event. While last year's virtual ceremony still provided a platform from which we could recognize these outstanding people, it just means so much more to bring them to together and let them have their moment in the spotlight among family, friends and colleagues.”

Lee Hall, Vice President of Hallway Feeds, sponsor of this year's Dedication to Breeding Award, said, “It's an honor for Hallway Feeds to be part of such an important and meaningful event. We interact with so many workers from area farms, racetracks and other organizations that we see firsthand what they do day in and day out. To see these tremendous, hard-working individuals get a well-deserved pat on the back is very, very special.”

The full list of winners and runners-up is as follows:

Newcomer Award, sponsored by NYRA
Winner: Olivia Desch, Stallion Season Sales, WinStar Farm
(Runners-up: Emily Csenar Horse Healthcare Assistant, Taylor Made Farm; Joshua McLemore, Assistant Starter, Keeneland Racecourse)

Support Services Award, sponsored by I Am Horse Racing
Winner: Brenda Wilhelm, Operator, Charles Town Race Track Kitchen
(Runners-up: David Kyle, Plant Manager, Fasig-Tipton; Katherine Todd Smith, Horse Identifier, Self Employed)

Katherine McKee Administration Award sponsored by Keeneland
Winner: Kelsey Marshall, Vice President of Partner Relations, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners
(Runners-up: Lori Johnson, Associate Registrar, The Jockey Club; Sue Kenny, Office Manager, Herringswell Stables)

Dedication to Breeding Award sponsored by Hallway Feeds
Winner: Calvin Smith, Assistant Broodmare Manager, Runnymede Farm, Pennsylvania
(Runners-up: Luis Coronado, Broodmare Manager, Machmer Hall Sales; Wayne Howard, Stallion Manager, Spendthrift Farm)

Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the NTRA
Winner: Lorita Lindemann, Assistant Trainer, Joe Sharp Racing Stable and Brad H. Cox Racing Stable
(Runners-up: Benjamin “Benny” Betts, Training Manager, retired Ocala Jockey Club; Tessa Bisha, Assistant Trainer, Brad H. Cox Racing Stable)

Leadership Award, sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
Winner: Robert Turner, Yearling Farm Manager, Stonestreet Farm
(Runners-up: Billy Sellers, Stallion Manager, Lane's End Farm; Joseph Littrell, Farm Manager, Stone Farm)

Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs
Winner: Nicholas Caras, Program Director, New York Race Track Chaplaincy
Runner-up: Diana Pinones, Director of Racetrack Operations, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

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