Second Stride Announces Honors

Second Stride today announced its 2026 honorees, Mary Nixon and Jan and Joan Carstanjen, who will receive the Industry Champion Award and the Volunteer Award, respectively. Both will be presented at the organization's Champions Night at Valhalla Golf Club on Monday, April 27th. Mary Nixon has been named the 3rd recipient of Second Stride's Industry Champion Award, an honor given to someone within the racing community who has shown distinguished support and transformative dedication to the horses of Second Stride. Second Stride founder and Executive Director Kim Smith says, "Mary has been a powerhouse for our mission for a long time. She provides expert mentorship and development guidance, leads fundraising efforts, networks for and personally supports the cause. She has even stepped in to ride and school some of our adoptable horses! She is a true champion for our horses and a completely logical choice for this award." Mary Nixon has been involved in the Thoroughbred industry for more than 50 years. A partner in Starlight Racing, she was part-owner of Triple Crown winner Justify and has served on the University of Louisville Board of Trustees. She has long been active in philanthropic efforts across the sport, generously contributing her time to a wide range of industry initiatives. Additionally, Jan and Joan Carstanjen, parents of Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen and residents of Second Stride's Chorleywood Farm location in Prospect, have been named the recipients of the 3rd annual Second Stride Volunteer Award, given to volunteers who have gone above and beyond in service to the program and the horses. The Carstanjens have supported the nonprofit in nearly every capacity. The couple has been on hand to manage after-hours needs, daily care, night checks and maintenance. Jan Carstanjen meticulously oversaw the recent renovation of the Chorleywood barns and both spend a great deal of time enhancing the farm atmosphere, providing a welcoming and educational experience for public tours. "Jan and Joan Carstanjen are the heartbeat of this organization," said Smith. "Their tireless dedication - from managing any emergencies to their commitment to helping our fundraising efforts - has raised the bar for our entire program. We are a stronger and more welcoming community for both the horses and our visitors because of their extraordinary commitment."