Cindy Niemetz, the longtime West Coast representative for the International Racing Bureau, passed away earlier in the month after a long battle with cancer, according to a press release Friday afternoon.
The veteran horsewoman was an omni-present figure at the Breeders' Cup for more than three decades, running the quarantine barn for international shippers.
Self-described as a “Mother Hen,” she worked as a conduit between the international entrants, the Breeders' Cup, the host track and the U.S. Department of Agriculture rules and regulations.
“Some people do a job; others become part of the fabric of an industry,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Officer for the Breeders' Cup. “Cindy was the latter- tireless in her work, extraordinary in her life story and deeply respected by everyone fortunate enough to know her. Behind every successful international foray was Cindy Niemetz and the IRB team. She will be missed by so many.”
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