Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Winners Honored

Mathea Kelley

Godolphin's fourth annual Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA) ceremony was held at Keeneland's sales pavilion Friday afternoon, with Hall of Famer Bill Mott presenting the awards and Jill Byrne, vice president of racing operations at Colonial Downs, serving as master of ceremonies. With seven categories featuring a total of $128,000 in prize money, the TIEA awards are designed to recognize individuals for their contributions to Thoroughbred racing and breeding.

Winner of the Leadership in Racing Award is Saul Castellanos, assistant trainer at the Mark Hennig Racing Stable, while Buttonwood Farm's farm manager Jenny Carpenter took the Leadership in Breeding Award. Leslie McCall, stable pony rider for Moquett Racing, took the Dedication to Racing Award, and Ernest Blair, senior broodmare and sales assistant at Lane's End Farm, won the Dedication to Breeding Award. Winner of the Administration Award is Bessie Gruwell, executive director of the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. Amy Stokes, management assistant for Godolphin at Stonerside, took the Newcomer Award. Finally, Bobby Lillis, executive director at the Maryland Horsemen's Assistance Foundation, was honored by the Thoroughbred Industry Community Award.

“To the nominators, thank you,” said Jimmy Bell, president of Godolphin in America, after thanking Keeneland and Godolphin's corporate and media partners. “If not for you we wouldn't be able to shine the spotlight on all of these deserving people that dedicate their lives to taking care of these magnificent animals. And last but not least, congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and winners. We hope that by being recognized for your hard work that you know that you are truly appreciated and placed in the highest regard and we are forever in your debt.”

The 2019 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards was managed and administered by The Jockey Club, the Horsemen's Protective and Benevolent Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Media partners are Thoroughbred Daily News, BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form, The Paulick Report, and TVG.

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