Todd Pletcher, four-time Eclipse Award winner and perennially one of America’s leading Thoroughbred trainers, will join Anne Campbell and Jay Hovdey as a judge for the Dogwood Dominion Award, it has been announced by Cot Campbell, president of Dogwood Stable. Pletcher replaces longtime judge Penny Chenery, who now resides in Colorado and says, "it’s time to give someone else a chance at judging this wonderful award." The Dogwood Dominion Award is presented annually to one of the Thoroughbred industry’s unsung heroes.

"Todd Pletcher and Dogwood Stable have had a long, fruitful relationship since 1996. We admire Todd not only for his training abilities, but for his philanthropic endeavors over the years," said Campbell. "We are delighted that Todd has agreed to be the third judge for our Dogwood Dominion Award competition. He and his wife Tracy have attended our Dogwood Dominion Award luncheon in Saratoga for as long as I can remember – so I know he has a warm spot in his heart for this award. We are lucky to have him, and he follows Penny Chenery, Jerry Bailey, Pat Day, and Mack Miller, who all served as judges at one time or another since the event started in 1993."

On top of his training responsibilities, Todd Pletcher is heavily involved with the Belmont Child Care Association’s Anna House as well as the Thoroughbred Charities of America. He is also a supporter of the Race for Education and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.

This year’s award will be presented at a luncheon in Saratoga on August 5. The winner will receive $5,000 and a bronze statue of Dominion. Nominations will be accepted through June 29 by mail, fax, or via our online nomination form.