Finalists for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards for those working in racing and breeding have been announced, along with the program’s Community Award winner. The awards will be presented on Wednesday, Oct. 31, in a ceremony at Churchill Downs in partnership with Breeders’ Cup week.

The finalists for the Leadership Award in the farm category are Richard Barry (Ashford Stud), Sandy Hatfield (Three Chimneys Farm), and John Hall (Taylor Made Sales Agency). The finalists for the Leadership Award in the racing category are Cesar Aguilar (John W. Sadler Racing), Gene Corbin (Shade Tree Thoroughbreds), and Daisy Tobin (James W. Casey Racing).

The finalists for the Dedication to Breeding Award are Noe Murillo-Hernandez (The Acorn Farm), Barbara Nicholls (Stone Farm), and Therese Reese (Stoneway Farm). The finalists for the Dedication to Racing Award are Jehobany Alvarez (Peter Miller Racing Stable), Esteban Medina (Delta Downs), and Lisa See (Pecoraro Racing Stable).

The finalists for the Newcomer Award are Devon Dougherty (Roy Houghton), Zachary Richards (NYRA), and Lindsay Scott (Langsem Farm).

Angie Carmona, deputy executive director and secretary of the California Thoroughbred Trainers, was selected as the winner of the Community Award.

The finalists were selected by a shortlist judging panel that met in early September to choose the finalists and a winner of the Community Award. A second and final stage of judging will take place on Oct. 30, with a separate judging panel selecting the winners.

“On behalf of my fellow judges, we would like to expressly thank Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed for presenting and underwriting these very prestigious employee recognition awards for the third year in America,” Dan Fick, chairman of the shortlist judging panel, said in a release. “[Finalists] are being recognized for their dedication and leadership in Thoroughbred horse racing and breeding because they are the unsung heroes of our great industry.

“Judging all of the nominations in six categories was an honor and a pleasure for the judges. The stories were heart-warming and inspirational. There are so many deserving women and men working with our horses, it made all of us proud to be part of this wonderful sport.”