The 2010 Kentucky Thoroughbred Media Award winners were honored in the winner's circle of Churchill Downs today. The awards honor the trainer, jockey, and owner who have compiled the most victories at Kentucky racetracks during the 2010 calendar year. Statistical data for the awards was calculated by Incompass, The Jockey Club’s technology-solutions company.
The 2010 Owner of the Year was the Louisville-based family of Billy, Donna, and Justin Hays. Louisvillians may know Hays as the owner of Town & Country Ford, the local auto dealer. Hays has been a prominent owner, running under his own name, for several years, but last year added his wife, Donna, and adult son, Justin, to the stable ownership. With 45 wins, Hays beat out Ken and Sarah Ramsey by a mere two races. The Ramseys have won the award the last 10 years.
Jockey Corey Lanerie, the current Churchill Downs meet leader, grabbed the honor of 2010 Jockey of the Year. With 111 wins, Lanerie's nearest competitor was Robby Albarado at 94 wins. This is the first time Lanerie has earned the award. Lanerie was joined by his wife, Shantel, and daughter, Brittlyn at the award presentation. His young daughter could be overheard asking her winning daddy if he was going to give her the award. Like any other doting father, Lanerie agreed.
Trainer Mike Maker was honored with the award of 2010 Trainer of the Year, with 81 wins. His most notable win of the year occurred when Stately Victor won the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland. In addition to this award, Maker also captured meet training titles at Ellis Park and Turfway Park during the year. Louisville trainer, Dale Romans, had the second highest win totals in Kentucky with 48.
Photo: Jessie Oswald
