2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Winners
Katherine McKee Administration Award, Sponsored by Keeneland
Tammy Wright, Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma
Support Services Award, Sponsored by 1/ST Racing
Sheri Miller, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
Dedication to Breeding Award, Sponsored by Hallway Feeds
Manuel Perez, Hermitage Farm
Dedication to Racing Award, Sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association
David Carroll, Cherie DeVaux Racing
Managerial Award, Sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
Sheri Holmes Stirling, Gulfstream Park
Newcomer Award, Sponsored by NYRA Bets
Lexi Corti, Carlos David Racing
Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, Sponsored by Churchill Downs
Jan Pettinger, Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement and Rehabilitation Foundation
Dedication to Breeding Award,
sponsored by Hallway Feeds

Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by National Thoroughbred Racing Association
An award to an individual who has worked a minimum of 10 years in the Thoroughbred racing industry and shown consistency, reliability, and a talent for Thoroughbred racing horsemanship. Ideal candidates should be employed by a Thoroughbred training or racing stable and/or work directly with Thoroughbred horses in training or racing. Must be a pivotal part of his or her employer’s success.
Managerial Award, sponsored by
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
An award to an individual in a managerial or supervisory role in the Thoroughbred breeding industry, racing industry, or any supporting sector within the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. Ideal candidates should display exceptional leadership qualities, particularly in terms of motivating, mentoring and supporting colleagues in the workplace. They must also oversee at least two employees and have extensive work experience in the Thoroughbred industry.
Katherine McKee Administration Award, sponsored by Keeneland
An award to an individual who works in an administrative role in the Thoroughbred breeding industry, racing industry, or any supporting sector within the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. Ideal candidates’ day-to-day responsibilities should include keeping records, assisting with correspondence, making appointments, and overall supporting the running of the Thoroughbred business for which they work. Must be a pivotal part of his or her employer’s success.
Newcomer Award, sponsored by NYRA Bets
Support Services Award, sponsored by
1/ST Racing

breeding industry, racing industry, or any supporting sector within the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. Ideal candidates would not necessarily be hands on horsemen, therefore would not qualify in the racing or breeding categories. Must be a pivotal part of his or her employer’s success.
Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs
This award recognizes those who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the Thoroughbred industry, and in particular, to the greater good of the sport. This could include those who support the breeding and racing staff or have made an outstanding contribution to the wider Thoroughbred community. Ideal candidates should work either for or with a charitable organization, or as part of the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred business for which they work. Nominees for this award do not need to be directly employed in the Thoroughbred industry.


















