Damon Thayer is the CEO/Founder of Thayer Communications & Consulting LLC, where he provides strategic communications and consulting services in the Thoroughbred industry. He also serves as a senior advisor to the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI), supporting efforts to preserve live racing in the United States. From 2003 to 2024, Thayer represented the 17th District in the Kentucky Senate, including 12 years as Majority Floor Leader, where he was a leading advocate for Kentucky’s signature industries, including horse racing. Before holding public office, he held executive management positions at Breeders’ Cup, Turfway Park, Maryland Jockey Club and Thistledown. Thayer is also the CEO/co-founder of Kentucky Senator Spirits LLC, the producer of the award-winning Kentucky Senator Bourbon. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and a partner at CJ Thoroughbreds. His background includes communications, marketing and public policy, giving him a broad perspective on the sector and its stakeholders.
“Since leaving the Kentucky Senate last year, I have been looking for a way to give back to the racing industry that I am passionate about,” Thayer said. “The mission of Amplify Horse Racing is much needed and worthy of support. I am honored to have been asked to join the Board of Directors and look forward to working with the team to connect young people with careers in the industry.”
Liza Hendriks is an entrepreneur and longtime advocate for the thoroughbred industry, focused on creating modern, accessible entry points into the sport. She founded Wanamaker’s, one of the first online thoroughbred auction platforms in the US, which was acquired by Inglis in 2024 and now serves on the board of Inglis Digital USA. A graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start program, Hendriks has worked in global racing jurisdictions and brings experience in digital strategy and racing operations. She has held positions at Starlight Racing and currently reports for the New York Racing Association, with a focus on steep course racing. Hendriks comes from a multi-generational racing family in Pennsylvania and is passionate about welcoming new audiences to the sport and supporting Amplify’s work with youth and young adults.
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“The future of Thoroughbred racing depends on our ability to engage, educate and inspire the next generation,” said Hendriks. “Amplify does that work in a meaningful, modern way, and I’m excited to contribute my experience to help scale its impact.”
Thayer and Hendriks join a dedicated and experienced leadership team at Amplify Horse Racing. More information about Amplify’s board and employees can be found at amplifyhorseracing.org/leadership.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions, please contact the organization that produced the release.
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