Hale has been instrumental in building the crown jewels of Maryland's racing circuit.
Georganne Hale, a stalwart of Maryland's racing industry, will be honored with the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award at the third annual Horse Racing Women's Summit, Sept. 25-27 in Arcadia, Calif.
"What started as an opportunity to celebrate an incredibly important woman of racing, Jane Goldstein, has become an annual opportunity for the HRWS to honor the accomplishments of a woman in our industry each year," said Shona Rotondo, HRWS marketing committee chair. "This award recognizes those who have dedicated their lives to horse racing and to forging a path for women to come. We are thrilled to take a moment to recognize Georganne this year for all that she has accomplished in her career."
A true pioneer for women in the Thoroughbred industry, Hale started with the Maryland Jockey Club in 1984 as an assistant racing secretary. After taking on the role of racing secretary at Timonium in 1986, she became the first and only woman to serve as racing secretary at a major North American racetrack when promoted to the position in 2000 by the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC).
Hale has been instrumental in building the crown jewels of Maryland's racing circuit, including the Preakness (G1), Black-Eyed Susan, and Maryland Million programs, while also fostering strong relationships with connections throughout the country. Along with being a mentor to many racing officials, Hale has always been a big advocate and supporter for Thoroughbred aftercare. She works closely with Maryland's Beyond the Wire aftercare program and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, among other programs and causes.
"Georganne has dedicated her career, and her heart, to elevating the standards of our sport. This award is a testament to her hard work and her unwavering integrity," said Stacie Clark-Rogers, operations consultant of the TAA. "She doesn't just lead; she inspires. She doesn't just push for better; she lifts everyone up along the way."
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In 2018, Hale--MJC's longtime Vice President of Racing and Racing Secretary--was promoted to a new role as Vice President of Racing Development.
"I am honored and surprised to receive the Jane Goldstein Leadership Award," said Hale. "To be honored by an organization as great as the Horse Racing Women's Summit is something I never would have dreamed of. I am lucky and grateful to work in an industry that I love and have supported for so many years. Thank you to the HRWS board for nominating me for such a distinguished award."
While Hale is unable to attend this year's HRWS, Jillian Tullock, the current Racing Secretary at Maryland Jockey Club who has worked closely with Georganne for years, will be accepting the award on her behalf.
The award, named for ground-breaking turf publicist Jane Goldstein who was recognized for the inaugural presentation in 2022, is just one reflection of the HRWS core pillars to Engage, Elevate and Invest in the women of horse racing.
Tickets for this year's Horse Racing Women's Summit are now available and can be purchased online through September 18th.
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