In a testament to his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to champion the horse racing industry in Kentucky and beyond, outgoing State Senator Damon Thayer has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award, presented by the Louisville-based Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners (KTO).

Elevating Kentucky's Racing Legacy

A Lifelong Passion for the Sport

Thayer's connection to the horse racing industry dates back to his youth, when he first experienced the thrill of the sport as a "below-average barrel racer" in 4-H. This early exposure to the equine world, through a thoroughbred owner-breeder, ignited a lifelong passion that would ultimately shape his career and lead him to the forefront of transformative changes in Kentucky's racing industry.

Championing Legislative Initiatives

During his 22-year tenure in the General Assembly, Thayer has been a tireless advocate for the horse racing, breeding, and overall equine industries. His signature legislative achievement was the passage of Senate Bill 120 in 2021, which updated the state's definition of pari-mutuel wagering to include historical horse racing (HHR) gaming. This landmark legislation has since propelled Kentucky to the forefront of the racing circuit, offering the highest purses in America and fueling substantial economic development and job creation in racetrack communities.

Fostering Industry Growth and Prosperity

Thayer's dedication to pro-racing legislation has had a profound impact on the industry's trajectory. KTO President Tom Drury, a Louisville-based trainer, credits Thayer's efforts for keeping his entire stable in Kentucky this winter, rather than shipping a division out of state. "He put us where Kentucky racing is supposed to be as far as the food chain goes," Drury remarked, highlighting the transformative changes Thayer has spearheaded.

Diversifying the Industry's Reach

Thayer's contributions extend beyond the racing realm, as he has also advocated for the legalization of sports betting in Kentucky, the establishment of breeders' incentive funds, and the strengthening of Kentucky-bred incentive programs for both thoroughbred and standardbred racing. His work has been instrumental in standardizing the pari-mutuel tax rate and improving policies for betting and race funding in the state, further solidifying Kentucky's position as a premier destination for equine enthusiasts.

A Multifaceted Horseman

Thayer's passion for the sport extends beyond his legislative efforts, as he is also a horse owner, partnering in a group of horses campaigned by CJ Thoroughbreds, including Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf starter Hang the Moon. This personal involvement in the industry underscores Thayer's deep-rooted connection to the sport he has championed for decades.

Honoring a Legendary Horseman

The Warner Jones award, named after the legendary horseman who spent 50 years on the Churchill Downs board, including eight as chairman during the track's resurgence in the late 1980s, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Kentucky racing. Thayer's unwavering dedication to the industry and his transformative impact on its growth and prosperity make him a worthy recipient of this prestigious accolade.As Thayer prepares to step down from the state senate, his legacy as a champion of Kentucky's horse racing industry will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future of the sport in the Commonwealth and beyond.