The Turf Publicists of America made a significant announcement on Monday. The 2024 Big Sport of Turfdom award is set to be presented to the renowned trainer Kenny McPeek. This annual award holds great importance as it recognizes those who enhance the coverage of Thoroughbred racing through their cooperation with media and racing publicists.

McPeek's Historic Achievements

In 2024, McPeek achieved a milestone by becoming only the third trainer in history to secure victories in both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in the same year. Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna were the horses that brought him this extraordinary success. After her victory in the Kentucky Oaks, Thorpedo Anna went on to achieve Grade 1 wins in various prestigious races such as the Acorn Stakes and Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga Race Course, the Cotillion at Parx Racing, and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar Racetrack.McPeek's team had an outstanding year with multiple triumphs not only on the sport's biggest stage, the Kentucky Derby, but also in additional Grade 1 victories across the country. Najja Thompson, the president of TPA, emphasized McPeek's deservingness of the award, stating that he is always welcoming and open to the media and serves as a great ambassador for the industry and sport.

Upcoming Award Presentation

The Big Sport of Turfdom award will be presented to McPeek at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's annual awards luncheon on December 10. This luncheon is an integral part of the 2024 Symposium on Racing at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona. McPeek expressed his honor and humility upon receiving the award, stating his lifelong love for horse racing and his pride in continuing to promote the great sport.

McPeek's Background and Journey

Kenny McPeek was born in Fort Chaffee, Ark., to parents Ann and Ron McPeek. Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, he developed an interest in racing when his father entered Thoroughbred ownership. After graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in business administration, he obtained his trainer's license at his father's request to condition his runners. His first victory as a trainer came with Final Destroyer at River Downs in October 1985.Since then, McPeek has emerged as one of the most successful conditioners and bloodstock agents in Thoroughbred racing. He has won over 2,000 races and amassed more than $130 million in career earnings. His achievements include American classic victories before this year with Sarava in the 2002 Belmont Stakes and filly Swiss Skydiver in the 2020 Preakness. He also actively participates in training and purchasing horses at sales as a bloodstock agent and purchased the two-time horse of the year Curlin as a yearling. Additionally, he owns and operates Magdalena Farm in Lexington and developed the Horse Races Now app.

Previous Winners and Their Impact

The Big Sport of Turfdom has been presented annually since 1966. McPeek is not the first to receive this honor; he previously won it in 2002. Previous winners include notable jockeys like Mike Smith, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Bill Shoemaker, Angel Cordero Jr., Eddie Arcaro, and Gary Stevens; trainers such as Art Sherman, D. Wayne Lukas, and Jack Van Berg; and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport, like Secretariat's owner Penny Chenery (a two-time winner), announcer Tom Durkin, author Laura Hillenbrand, broadcaster Jim McKay, turf writer Joe Hirsch, and actors Tim Conway and Jack Klugman. These individuals have all left their mark on Thoroughbred racing and have played crucial roles in promoting and enhancing the sport.