Churchill Downs Team Members Honored at 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

LOUISVILLE, KY., (October 18, 2023) – Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) is proud to recognize two outstanding team members who were honored at the 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (“TIEA”) presented by Godolphin. TIEA is a program that for eight years has recognized and rewarded the outstanding talent, diligence and commitment of the farm and racing stable staff who are at the heart of the sport of horse racing.

Kelly Danner, Racing Operations Manager at Churchill Downs was awarded the Katherine McKee Administration Award presented by Keeneland. Kelly proudly describes herself as being “raised on the backside” by a father who was a former-jockey-turned trainer and a mother who worked as an assistant. A role model with an incredible worth ethic, she treats all horsemen and women as equals regardless of their stature, working just as hard to fulfill a groom’s request as she does in assisting someone with a high-profile stable. From coordinating payrolls, to organizing trophy and racing inventory, to organizing onsite accommodation for owners and trainers during Derby week, no job is too big or too small for her.

Bill Vest, Backside Security Manager for Churchill Downs, won the Support Services Award presented by 1/ST Racing. Bill’s extensive background in the Thoroughbred industry spans more than five decades. He has worked in various roles, ranging from a blacksmith’s apprentice and farm manager, to his current position as Backside Security Manager at Churchill Downs. Known as the friendliest face on the backside, he is always first to lend a helping hand and fosters supportive atmosphere by prioritizing and creating a safe and secure environment. His genuine passion for his work is evident to everyone who meets him. He mentors and supports his team members by sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise and encouraging their professional growth.

Finalists are selected through a nomination process where friends, family, racetrack team members and other members of the Thoroughbred industry can submit individuals for consideration. A short list of three finalists in six categories is selected, followed by final in-person judging panel interviews to determine the winner of each award category.

The entire team from Churchill Downs Incorporated and Churchill Downs wish to congratulate these two exceptional team members for their exemplary work and for this well-deserved recognition.

To learn more about the TIEA Awards, visit: https://tiea.org/.