The Turf Publicists of America introduced Nov. 25 that the 2024 Massive Sport of Turfdom award will likely be introduced to coach Ken McPeek. The annual award acknowledges an individual or group of people that enhances protection of Thoroughbred racing by means of cooperation with media and racing publicists.

In 2024, McPeek grew to become solely the third coach in historical past to earn victories within the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in the identical 12 months, scoring with Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna.

Following her victory within the Kentucky Oaks, Thorpedo Anna went on to attain Grade 1 wins within the Acorn Stakes and Teaching Membership American Oaks at Saratoga Race Course, the Cotillion at Parx Racing, and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar Racetrack the place she accomplished her phenomenal 3-year-old season.

“Ken and his group have had an impressive 12 months with a number of triumphs on not solely our sport’s greatest stage within the Kentucky Derby but additionally in further Grade 1 victories throughout the nation with Thorpedo Anna’s phenomenal marketing campaign,” TPA President Najja Thompson stated. “He’s most deserving of this award chosen by our membership for all the time being welcoming and open to the media and an incredible ambassador for our trade and sport.”

The Massive Sport of Turfdom award will likely be introduced to McPeek on the College of Arizona Race Observe Trade Program’s annual awards luncheon on Dec. 10. The luncheon is a part of the 2024 Symposium on Racing & Gaming at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz.

“I’m honored and humbled to be given this award,” stated McPeek. “I’ve cherished horse racing ever since I used to be a younger boy. I’m proud to proceed to advertise our nice sport.”

McPeek was born in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, to oldsters Ann and Ron McPeek, whereas his father served within the one hundred and first Airborne Division, McPeek was raised in Lexington, Kentucky.

He grew to become all in favour of racing when his father entered Thoroughbred possession. After graduating from the College of Kentucky with a level in enterprise administration, he obtained his coach’s license when his father requested him to situation his runners. He earned his first victory as a coach with Closing Destroyer at River Downs in October 1985.

Since then, McPeek has turn into some of the profitable conditioners and bloodstock brokers in Thoroughbred racing. He has gained over 2,000 races and amassed greater than $130 million in profession earnings. His achievements embrace American Basic victories earlier than this 12 months with Sarava within the 2002 Belmont Stakes and filly Swiss Skydiver within the 2020 Preakness stakes. Along with coaching and buying horses at gross sales as a bloodstock agent together with two-time Horse of the 12 months Curlin as a Yearling, McPeek developed the Horse Races NOW app, and owns and operates Magdalena Farm in Lexington, KY.

The Massive Sport of Turfdom has been introduced yearly since 1966. That is the second time McPeek has gained the award. He beforehand was honored in 2002.

Earlier winners embrace jockeys Mike Smith, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Invoice Shoemaker, Angel Cordero Jr., Eddie Arcaro and Gary Stevens; trainers Artwork Sherman, D. Wayne Lukas and Jack Van Berg; and different people who’ve made vital contributions to the game, equivalent to Secretariat’s proprietor, Penny Chenery, a two-time winner; announcer Tom Durkin, creator Laura Hillenbrand, broadcaster Jim McKay, Turf author Joe Hirsch and actors Tim Conway and Jack Klugman.

An entire listing of previous Massive Sport of Turfdom winners might be discovered on-line at http://www.turfpublicists.com/awards.html.

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