Congratulations to Maria Cristina Silva, winner of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA) Community Award, presented by Godolphin. Silva serves as the backstretch program coordinator for the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA). A native of Santiago, Chile, Silva first acted as an interpreter for the backside community at Belmont, but now also works to secure clothing, furniture, food, and more for backstretch workers and their families. She also puts together backpacks for children in need prior to school starting each fall.
“No one has served the employees on the backstretch with the dedication and love that Cristina demonstrates every day,” said bloodstock agent Joseph Brockelbank.
“My grandchildren are so proud,” said Silva, “but I didn't do this for the reward. I do this for the people because I know they need the help.”
Click for the video feature on Silva done by TIEA.
A total of seven award categories will be honored by TIEA for 2020. The Community Award won by Silva was selected by a judging panel in August and was already announced. The finalists for the other six categories will be spotlighted in TDN in the days leading up to the virtual ceremony, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, at 12:00 p.m. ET. The winners in each category will be announced live in the ceremony, which will be hosted by Jill Bryne and will be streamed at the TDN homepage.
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