Leif Dickenson – Director of Track Operations at Colonial Downs Racetrack
Selected for his introduction of fibers in turf profiles at Santa Anita Park to improve the sheer strength of sand without the use of alternative fine materials that would impede drainage.
Joe King – Posthumously awarded, former New York Racing Association (NYRA) Track Superintendent
Selected for being the first person in racing to systematically include testing of the racing surfaces on a regular basis and for being a critical asset in designing racetrack surfaces.
Dennis Moore – Superintendent at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Santa Anita Racetrack, and Los Alamitos Thoroughbred Racing
Selected for his innovative work that led to maintenance and operational innovations for the synthetic racetrack surfaces at Remington Park and Hollywood Park, and for his work to consistently evaluate new technologies including fiber and new maintenance equipment for dirt and synthetic surfaces.
Roy Smith – Retired Superintendent at Horseshoe Indianapolis (formerly known as Indiana Grand)
Selected for his work in professionalizing the career of racetrack superintendent and introducing the concept of continuing education to the community.
Irwin Driedger – Posthumously awarded, former Director of Thoroughbred Racing Surfaces at Woodbine Racetrack
Selected for his work during a period of rapid innovation and disruption in the area of synthetic racing surfaces. Through training of other superintendents and mentoring younger members of the maintenance crew, Irwin’s innovations continue to be used at racetracks around the country to maintain the consistency of synthetic surfaces.
