Nominations to open for the third annual USA Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2018 USA Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards which were held in America for the first time in 2016. Nominations can be submitted until Tuesday, August 15. 

There are a total of six awards which will carry total prize money of $128,000. This year, the awards will be held on Wednesday, October 31, on Breeders’ Cup week at Churchill Downs, with the Breeders’ Cup signing on as an event partner this year.

Godolphin is the principal sponsor of the awards in association with The Jockey Club, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protection Association (NHBPA) and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). Godolphin also sponsors the equivalent Stud and Stable Staff Awards in Ireland, Australia, Britain and France.

Dan Pride, COO of Godolphin in America, said, “On behalf of Godolphin, our heartfelt thanks are extended to each and every person who has contributed to the early success of these awards. The involvement of The Jockey Club, the National HBPA and TOBA, and the Breeders’ Cup this year, along with media support from the TDN, BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form, paulickreport.com and TVG, has been vital to the advancement of the awards. And a thank you to Churchill Downs for hosting this year’s event. 

“We invite everyone to send in a nomination so these deserving individuals can be recognized and rewarded for their efforts.”

Dan Metzger, President of TOBA, commented, “The people really are the heartbeat of the industry. Without them, we don’t have an industry. It’s so great to see them recognized for their dedication and achievements in Thoroughbred breeding and racing.  And I urge everyone to think about those hardworking individuals that they know and work with and to nominate now.”

The Keeneland Association hosted the event the first two years, but with the Breeders’ Cup being held in Louisville this year, the awards ceremony will be at Churchill Downs. 

Breeders’ Cup president Craig Fravel, who was on the final judging panel last year, said, “We were able to talk to some very inspiring people, newcomers in the business, and guys who’ve been around for a long time, and it was very exciting to do that. We’re very honored to be directly involved with the event for 2018.”

For more information and to nominate online, please go to www.godolphinusawards.com.

You’ll also be able to watch the launch of this year’s awards at the Derby Trainers Dinner, view frequently asked questions and download the nomination form when available.