Jules Stowell serves as shopper relations supervisor for Niall Brennan Racing the place she watches younger Thoroughbreds and courageous riders full comparatively quick journeys on the Ocala, Fla., coaching facility’s coaching monitor and rolling turf course. Stowell is aware of all about longer journeys.
At a low level in her life Stowell noticed a possibility to maneuver ahead by horses. Whereas serving six years on the Lowell Correctional Establishment close to Ocala, she determined to take part in a Thoroughbred Retirement Basis Second Probabilities program supplied there. After years of unhealthy choices, it proved to be a step in the best course.
“Poor decisions, unhealthy firm, led me there,” Stowell mentioned. “It was a blessing in disguise. I would at all times liked horses; at all times wished to work with them. I say God has a humorousness in giving me 50 horses however not underneath the circumstances I anticipated. Nevertheless it was the perfect factor that ever occurred to me; modified my life.”
That have helped pave the way in which for Stowell to work at one of many nation’s prime coaching facilities. Her private turnaround was honored Oct. 15 with the Newcomer Award, considered one of seven awards offered on the Thoroughbred Trade Worker Awards Oct. 15 at Keeneland in Lexington.
Brennan’s spouse Stephanie, who serves as director of gross sales and advertising for the coaching heart, is a TRF board member. Whereas Stowell was serving time and collaborating within the TRF program, Brennan obtained to know her.
“Two weeks previous to my launch she obtained a maintain of me and supplied me a place,” Stowell mentioned. “As quickly as I got here out of the gates I went proper there; first cease.”
Stowell marvels at how a lot the whole lot modified.
“Who would suppose you’d go to jail after which have the ability to go away the ability and work with horses?”
Joel Helmburg, a finalist for the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Neighborhood Award, additionally has seen lives circled in his position as a vocational teacher for the TRF Second Probabilities Program at Blackburn Correctional in Lexington.
“They’re rewriting their story,” Helmburg mentioned in a brief movie outlining his efforts. “It is unimaginable.”
Whereas not each TIEA winner (and finalist) has seen such dramatic modifications of their lives, listening to their work tales, life tales, and dedication makes for an inspiring night time every 12 months. Godolphin has championed celebrating these efforts. It began such awards internationally 20 years in the past and Tuesday marked the ninth ceremony in the US, celebrating the numerous totally different individuals totally dedicated to this business.
Different winners of 2024 included Lauren Marks of Ocala Breeders’ Gross sales receiving the Katherine McKee Administration Award, sponsored by Keeneland; the Assist Providers Award, sponsored by 1/ST Racing, going to Cass Dewey of Desert Oasis Rescue; the Dedication to Breeding Award, sponsored by Hallway Feeds, going to Steve Vargas of Bridlewood Farm; the Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the NTRA, going to Milver Martinez of Brendan Walsh Racing; the Managerial Award, sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, going to Christine Jones of Nice Acres Stallions; and the aforementioned Neighborhood Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs, going to Nancy LaSala, of the Completely Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Going ahead, Stowell hopes to pave the way in which for others to observe in her footsteps. She desires to assist facilitate the forms of life turnarounds that she’s skilled.
“We’re making an attempt to begin a program much like Taylor Made’s Steady Restoration, one thing modeled off of that,” Stowell mentioned of the Central Kentucky program that gives a path ahead and potential employment for individuals with substance abuse issues. “We’re making an attempt to carry that to Ocala for the ladies of Lowell Correctional Institute.
“It is actually a good looking factor to pair the 2 collectively—the aftercare of horses and the aftercare of individuals popping out; introducing them to society. It is an ideal pairing; excellent rehabilitation for each. That is the objective.”
