Thoroughred Industry Employee Awards Winners Announced Thursday

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, now in its fifth year in the United States, concluded Thursday afternoon with winners being announced via a virtual awards ceremony hosted by Studio 46 Media in Lexington, Kentucky. Jill Byrne, Vice President of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs, was once again the master of ceremonies.

Jimmy Bell, President of Godolphin in America commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone's lives in so many ways. But in our industry, we are all very fortunate to have an enormous group of talented and dedicated frontline workers who have continued their hard work, often requiring endless hours, to provide the care for our equine athletes. The Thoroughbred business could not function without them and we truly appreciate what they do.”

Dan Metzger, President of the Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, said: “It doesn't matter if we celebrate the achievements of these outstanding individuals in person or through a virtual platform, we are still reminded how important they are to the Thoroughbred industry. Their passion and commitment cannot be understated, nor can we say and do enough to show our appreciation. Metzger further commented, “And on behalf of TOBA, the Breeders' Cup, The Jockey Club and the HBPA, thank you to Godolphin for asking us to be a part of such an important program that rewards these fine men and women for their significant contributions to our great sport.”

The recording of the Virtual Ceremony is available at www.tiea.org. The full list of winners and runners-up is as follows:

Administration Award
Winner: Dionne Johnson, Business Manager, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Inc. (NYTHA)
(Runners-up: Lynelle Fox Smith, Executive Director, Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association; Michele Holbrook, Office Manager, Silver Springs Stud)

Dedication to Breeding Award
Winner: Helen Otero, Stallion Administrator, Coolmore America
(Runners-up: David Kyle, Plant Manager, Fasig-Tipton Company, Inc.; Steve Avery, General Farm Manager, Taylor Made Sales Agency)

Dedication to Racing Award
Winner: Gregory Smothers, Head Rider, Niall Brennan Stables
(Runners-up: Marcelo Arenas, Assistant Trainer, Leah Gyarmati Stables; Patrick “Shawn” Autry, Assistant Stable Manager, McPeek Racing)

Leadership in Breeding Award
Winner: Wayne Clem, Assistant Yearling Manager, Claiborne Farm
(Runners-up: Matt Lyons, VP and COO, Candy Meadows Farm; Christy Holden, General Manager, Country Life Farm LLP)

Leadership in Racing Award
Winner: Carmen McShane, Assistant Trainer, D/M Racing
(Runners-up: Roy Smith, Track Superintendent, Indiana Grand Racing and Casino; Cindy Hutter, Assistant Trainer, George Weaver Racing)

Newcomer Award
Winner: Aaron West, Racing Operations Manager, Bradley Thoroughbreds LLC
(Runners-up: Robert Cole, Intern/Co-op Program Student, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association; Alexis Kolasa, Administrative Assistant, Denali Stud)

Community Award
Winner: Maria Cristina Silva, Backstretch Program Coordinator, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

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Claiborne’s Wayne Clem Named Finalist for Leadership Award in Breeding

Congratulations to Wayne Clem, a finalist in the Leadership Award in Breeding category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), presented by Godolphin. The assistant yearling manager at Claiborne Farm, Clem has been employed by the storied nursery since 1967.

“Wayne is one of the most selfless and best people I’ve ever worked with,” said yearling manager Robby Hertzel.

In addition to his duties during his 53 years at Claiborne, Clem has implemented an internship program mentoring and teaching students about all aspects of yearling care.

“It is because of his hard work and thoughtful spirit,” said Claiborne’s Seth Hancock, “that we can trust [Clem] to fulfill Claiborne’s motto of doing the usual unusually well.”

Click for the video feature on Clem done by TIEA.

Other finalists for the Leadership Award in Breeding are Christy Holden of Country Life Farm and Matt Lyons of Candy Meadows Farm, who will both be recognized on these pages in the coming days. The Leadership Award in Breeding is presented annually to an individual who displays exceptional leadership qualities while in a managerial or supervisory position on a Thoroughbred farm.

A total of seven award categories will be honored by TIEA for 2020. Maria Cristina Silva of New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) has already been announced as the winner of the Community Award, while the winners in the other categories will be announced live in a virtual ceremony hosted by Jill Bryne and streamed at the TDN homepage Thursday, Nov. 5, at 12 p.m. ET. All finalists will be spotlighted in TDN in the days leading up to the ceremony.

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