GEORGETOWN, Ky. (January 5, 2026) – Amplify Horse Racing recently announced the appointment of Damon Thayer as a new member of its board of directors. The organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects youth and young adults to education and career pathways in the Thoroughbred industry, says Thayer’s addition strengthens its leadership as it continues to expand its mission.
Thayer is the CEO/founder of Thayer Communications & Consulting LLC, where he provides strategic communications and advisory services across the Thoroughbred industry. He also serves as senior adviser to the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI), supporting efforts to sustain live racing in the United States. From 2003 to 2024, Thayer represented the 17th District in the Kentucky State Senate, including 12 years as Majority Floor Leader, where he was a leading advocate for Kentucky’s signature industries, including horse racing. Prior to public office, he held executive management roles with Breeders’ Cup, Turfway Park, Maryland Jockey Club, and Thistledown. Thayer is also the CEO/co-founder of Kentucky Senator Spirits LLC, the producer of award-winning Kentucky Senator Bourbon. A graduate of Michigan State University and a partner with CJ Thoroughbreds, his background spans communications, marketing and public policy, giving him a broad perspective on the industry 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. “Amplify Horse Racing’s mission is much-needed and worthy of support, and I am honored to have been asked to join the Board and look forward to working with the team to connect young people to careers in the industry.”
Thayer joins a dedicated and experienced leadership team at Amplify Horse Racing. More information about Amplify’s board and staff can be found at amplifyhorseracing.org/leadership.
For more information about Amplify and its programs, or to make a contribution, visit amplifyhorseracing.org or follow Amplify on social media.
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