By Jennie Rees
LEXINGTON, Ky. — When hearing the name Victor Espinoza, much of the racing world thinks of American Pharoah and California Chrome's jockey. But another Victor Espinoza takes top billing at Brookdale Farm.
This Espinoza is Brookdale's farm manager and employee of 31 years, who Friday at Keeneland was honored as winner of the Leadership-Farm category for the inaugural Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. The awards' presenting sponsor is Godolphin, which has a similar program in England, Ireland, Australia and France to recognize the breeding and racing industry's unsung heroes, with the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association and The Jockey Club co-sponsors of the American version.
Espinoza, 53, came to America from Mexico when he was 19, with a one-way ticket into America and enough money to buy two cheap meals. He landed at Brookdale, working his way up to stud groom, including caring for the accomplished sire Deputy Minister throughout his stallion career in Kentucky, and ultimately becoming farm manager.
“Ironically, he got one or two fan mails for the jockey sent to him after the Triple Crown,” said Brookdale patriarch Fred Seitz Sr. “But he's definitely who we think of as Victor Espinoza, for sure. He's not quite as well known, but I'm just delighted he won. He's such a compelling story. It's the best of America– testament to people with initiative and nerve and talent who come here and succeed. He's been a wonderful asset for us. He's like the dean of Hispanic workers. He's supplied a lot of farms with good help.”
“It's emotional,” Espinoza said. “Thanks to Brookdale Farm–31 wonderful years working for them. They're the greatest farm in the world…. This is a great program. I never in my wildest dreams was thinking I belonged to the elite group.”
The winners of the four categories each receive $10,000, along with an additional $5,000 to the charity of their choice. The other two finalists for each award receive $2,500 apiece. There were a total of 117 nominees, whittled to 12 by a shortlist judging panel before the winners were chosen by another panel. Churchill Downs' Jill Byrne served as luncheon emcee, with record-setting trainer D. Wayne Lukas the presenter.
Jimmy Bell, president of Godolphin in America, said intent of the awards is simple.
“That is to identify and acknowledge, to celebrate and reward the true heroes and backbone of our industry (with) these folks that we have here today,” he told the crowd. “…. I don't think there is a higher honor than to be acknowledged by your peer group. Everyone of you was nominated by your employer, or co-worker or colleague. There can't be a higher standard of accomplishment than for somebody else to acknowledge what you do every day, the passion you put into it, the details you put into it, the leadership you give.”
Melissa Cohen, assistant trainer to New York-based Rick Violette, wiped away tears after being recognized with Leadership-Racing award.
“It's a huge honor, because there are so many hard-working people in this industry, lots of people who deserve this,” she said. “(These awards) are amazing, definitely something to strive for, for all of us under the radar.”
“She's a very special person, everything from her personality to her work ethic, her energy, her tireless dedication to the horses,” Violette said in the video about Cohen. “… The help would take a bullet for her.”
Winning the Dedication to Racing award was Jose “Vinny” Castaneda, who has been a groom for prominent California trainer Farrell Jones, his Hall of Fame son Gary and now grandson Marty Jones.
James Sebastian, part of the crew handling mares and foals for Claiborne Farm, his employer for 52 years, won the Dedication to Breeding award.
Israel “Izzy” Vega, a founding member of the Race Track Chaplaincy of California in 1974, was given the Community Award for outstanding contribution to the Thoroughbred industry, the only winner announced in advance.
In a video address before the winners were announced, Godolphin chief executive and racing manager John Ferguson told the audience: “You can be the best trainer in the world, the best stud manager in the world. But if you don't have the right people, you won't have the right horses. It's the ultimate team game. Those who are nominated should be incredibly proud. You are the cream of the cream.”
Other finalists:
Dedication to Racing: Danny Ramsey, exercise rider for McPeek Racing; Raul Rodriguez, groom for Art Sherman (including California Chrome). Leadership–Farm: Taylor Made yearling manager John Hall; Matt Koch, owner/manager of Shawhan Place. Leadership–Racing: Bob Baffert assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes, who accompanied Triple Crown winner American Pharoah on the road; Laz Guerra, Mike Maker's long-time assistant trainer.
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