Hale recognized at Women's Summit and by Maryland officials for contributions to industry

Georganne Hale, a stalwart of Maryland's Thoroughbred racing industry, was honored with the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award at the third annual Horse Racing Women's Summit held Sept. 25-27 in Arcadia, Calif.

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 the Maryland State Fair 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.

Hale, currently MJC Vice President of Racing Development, has been instrumental in building the crown jewels of Maryland's racing circuit, including the Preakness Stakes, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and Maryland Million programs, while also fostering strong relationships with connections throughout the country.

Along with mentoring many racing officials, Hale always has 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.

“I am honored to receive the Jane Goldstein Leadership Award,” Hale said. “I have worked for the Maryland Jockey Club for 40 years—Maryland racing is where I put my heart and soul into. I hope to continue to work in the industry that I know and love for years to come. I would like to thank the nomination committee and the Horse Racing Women's Summit for this esteemed award.”

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.

"Georganne has dedicated her career—and her heart—to elevating the standards of our sport,” said Stacie Clark-Rogers, TTA Operations Consultant. “This award is a testament to her hard work and her unwavering integrity. She doesn't just lead; she inspires. She doesn't just push for better; she lifts everyone up along the way.”

During the recent Maryland State Fair at Timonium, where she again served as racing secretary, Hale was publicly recognized with signed and sealed documents from Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr., and Gov. Wes Moore for her 40 years of contributions to the Maryland racing industry.

‍