In an earlier release, Steven Nicholson, president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club, explained, "The club wants to recognize Dan's contributions to the industry – not only as past president of this club, but as an exemplary horseman who was a familiar face at all the Florida, Kentucky, and Texas sales." The speaker of the night, The Blood-Horse editor-in-chief Ray Paulick, addressed issues pertaining to the numerous sale integrity topics he had commented on over the last several years, and generated a variety of questions and responses from the meeting's attendees. Most indicated an interest in wanting rules enforced such as full disclosure of corrective surgeries, and forbidding consigners from accepting or offering commissions to agents or trainers at sales.
After a summer hiatus, the Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club resumed their monthly meetings Oct. 5 at the Embassy Suites in Lexington and announced that the late Dan Mallory had been named farm manager of the year. Mallory, owner of Meadow Haven Farm near Paris, Ky., was one of the 49 passengers that perished in the crash of Comair flight 5191 at Blue Grass Airport Aug. 27. His operation regularly consigned 200 horses a year at sales in such states as Kentucky, Texas, and Maryland. Mallory served as president of the Kentucky Farm Managers' Club in 1989 and bred several stakes winners alone and in partnership. They included multiple added-money winners American Spirit, Traces of Gold, and Yet Anothernatalie. Mallory was chosen by a committee of five, which included Central Kentucky horseman Ted Bates and Airdrie Stud farm manager Tim Thornton, who held the title last year. The criteria for the honor centered on the quality and success of the individual's farm management, and the service he or she had provided to the industry.In its 43rd year, the award was first bestowed upon former Calumet Farm worker Maggie Glass.Though Mallory wasn't present in the flesh to receive his award, the impact he made on the Thoroughbred community was apparent when he received a standing ovation for his efforts. Mallory's son, Scott has continued to run his father's consigning business in the same name.Also announced during the meeting was the establishment of an educational fund for Mallory's younger son Dustin, with $10,000 pledged by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club and the Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club.