Seven industry award winners step into the Lexington spotlight
North America’s Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards named winners in seven categories, with $122,000 in total prizes.
The people working behind the horses took centre stage in Lexington on 20 October 2026 at North America’s Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. Godolphin published the seven category winners on 21 October, reporting total prizes of $122,000.
Tammy Wright of the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma received the administration award. Sheri Miller of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital won the support services award. Joe Clancy chaired the judging panel for a second year.
Breeding, racing and leadership
Manuel Perez of Hermitage Farm won the dedication to breeding award, while David Carroll of Cherie DeVaux Racing received the dedication to racing award. Gulfstream Park’s Sheri Holmes Stirling won the managerial award.
New talent and community service
Lexi Corti of Carlos David Racing won the newcomer award. Jan Pettinger of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement and Rehabilitation Foundation received the community award. The categories span the work surrounding a horse, from breeding and daily management to medical support and rehabilitation.
The route to the final
Finalists were announced in July after the first judging stage, with final interviews scheduled for 20 October. These results belong to the North American programme; the British awards have their own categories and dates.