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/.
About Churchill Downs Racetrack
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually-held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The saddling paddock and the stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com
About Churchill Downs Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for nearly 150 years, beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. www.churchilldownsincorporated.com
Press Contacts
Logan Spradlin
Communications Manager
Churchill Downs Incorporated
Phone: (502) 638-3864
Email: [email protected]