Caleb Hays, interim starter at Churchill Downs during the Spring Meet, will move into the role of head starter at the Louisville oval as well as at Turfway Park, while Todd Stephens, after more than 25 years at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows, has been named head starter at Ellis Park. Churchill Downs owns all three Kentucky tracks.
Hays has been on the gate crew for 17 years at Churchill after getting his start at River Downs. He is the son of the late former assistant starter Danton “Danny” Hays and has handled GI Kentucky Derby winners Nyquist and Mystik Dan during his time on the gate.
“It's a great honor to step into this role at Churchill Downs and Turfway,” said Hays. “I've been fortunate to work under some of the best in the business and I'm proud to follow in their footsteps.”
Ben Huffman, vice president of racing for Churchill Downs, added: “Caleb has earned this opportunity through years of steady leadership and respect from his peers. He brings integrity, character, and a calm presence that's critical for a position like this. We're confident he'll continue the high standards that define our starting gate.”
Stephens takes over head starter duties at Ellis Park for the 2025 summer meet.
“Todd brings a wealth of experience during his time in the Upper Northwest,” said Ellis Park's racing secretary Baley Hare. “He'll be a big asset to our racing program.”
Both Hays and Stephens will start their new roles immediately.
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