Nominations Now Open For Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

Nominations for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in North America are now open. Celebrating its 11th year, the program will accept nominations through midnight on Monday, July 13.

Hallway Feeds has supported the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards through its sponsorship of the Dedication to Breeding Award. CEO Lee Hall commented, “We are both proud and honored to be a sponsor of these important awards. It’s such a magnificent way to recognize and honor the hard-working people in our business. But first, they have to be nominated. It’s quick and easy at tiea.org, so take a few minutes and nominate today.”

Godolphin, the global racing and breeding operation founded by Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the principal sponsor of the awards in association with The Jockey Club, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Breeders’ Cup. Godolphin also sponsors equivalent awards in Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, and France.

Cash prizes totaling $124,000 will be awarded to winners and finalists across seven categories, with additional monetary awards presented to two runners-up. The award categories are the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, Katherine McKee Administration Award, Dedication to Breeding Award, Dedication to Racing Award, Newcomer Award, Support Services Award, and Managerial Award.

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are pleased to welcome back its category sponsors for 2026. Supporting this year’s program are Keeneland, Churchill Downs, 1/ST Racing, Hallway Feeds, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, and NYRABets.

The awards also gratefully acknowledge Kentucky Downs and the Kentucky HBPA as returning Travel Sponsors. Their support helps cover transportation and accommodation costs for finalists traveling to Kentucky for the awards ceremony in October.

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards is also deeply appreciative of the industry media organizations that continue to provide valuable editorial and advertising support. These partners include Agentes 305, BloodHorse Publications, Daily Racing Form, DRF En Español, FanDuel, Fox Sports, Paulick Report, Real Players Inside the Backstretch, and Thoroughbred Daily News.

For more information, please contact the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards at (859) 255-8537 or email nwilson@godolphin.com.