Administration Award

Nominations for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in North America opened Wednesday, principal partner Godolphin announced. The program will accept nominations through midnight on Monday, July 13. Lee Hall, CEO of Dedication to Breeding Award sponsor Hallway Feeds, 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."...

Congratulations to Dionne Johnson, one of three finalists in the Administration Award category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), presented by Godolphin. Currently the business manager for New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), Johnson has been with the organization for 37 years. She is involved in multiple NYTHA committees, including the Scholarship Committee, which has donated over $1.6 million in scholarships to over 500 children of backside workers over the past decade. "She has quite literally been the backbone of [NYTHA] for more than a decade," said nominator Andy...

Congratulations to Michele Holbrook, one of three finalists in the Administration Award category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), presented by Godolphin. Currently the office manager at Silver Springs Stud, Holbrook grew up showing Appaloosas and Quarter Horses in 4-H Horse and Pony Club in her home state of Indiana. She joined Steve Johnson, owner of Silver Springs, in 1997 during his long tenure at Margaux Farm and has continued working for him ever since through his acquisition of Silver Springs. "I attribute [Holbrook's] behind-the-scenes work as the glue...

Congratulations to Lynnelle Fox Smith, one of three finalists in the Administration Award category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), presented by Godolphin. Currently the executive director of the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (OTOBA), Fox Smith began with the organization in 2010 and is now the sole employee. Fox Smith has also represented OTOBA at the state government level and acquired grant funding for safety and education within the racing industry. "The OTOBA's board of directors look upon [Fox Smith] as the glue that holds our organization...