TIEA

Congratulations to Christy Holden, a finalist in the Leadership Award in Breeding category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), presented by Godolphin. Holden has been the general manager of Maryland's Country Life Farm, including its Merryland division, since 2015 after first working at Country Life 30 years prior as a teenager. She eventually returned to Country Life in 2004, beginning in the office and working her way up to broodmare manager and finally general manager. Holden, who has also served on the board of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association...

Congratulations to Wayne Clem, a finalist in the Leadership Award in Breeding category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), presented by Godolphin. The assistant yearling manager at Claiborne Farm, Clem has been employed by the storied nursery since 1967. "Wayne is one of the most selfless and best people I've ever worked with," said yearling manager Robby Hertzel. In addition to his duties during his 53 years at Claiborne, Clem has implemented an internship program mentoring and teaching students about all aspects of yearling care. "It is because of...

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...