Arcadia, Calif. – The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has named Samantha Siegel as this year’s recipient of the Ed Friendly Industry Service Award, also known as the TOC Chairman’s Award. Presented annually, the award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Thoroughbred racing industry. Past recipients include some of the most prominent names in Southern California racing (see full list below).
Siegel, who races as JayEmEss Stable, is an active owner and breeder whose family has been involved in California Thoroughbred racing for more than five decades. Her late father, Mace, was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. JayEmEss has campaigned many graded stakes winners, including multiple Grade I winners Urbane, I Ain’t Bluffing, and Include Me Out, Grade I Hollywood Gold Cup winner Rail Trip, 2004 champion juvenile colt Declan’s Moon, multiple Grade 2 winner Arson Squad, and homebred Grade I winner By the Moon.
Siegel, who joined the TOC Board in 2016, serves as chair of the Wagering Committee and as a member of the Owner Relations committee. She also serves on the Executive board of CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) and on the board of directors of the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation. She resides in Beverly Hills.
“Between Sam and her father, a Siegel has served on this board for 26 of our 33 years,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “It is difficult to imagine where TOC or California racing as a whole would be without the Siegel family’s enduring leadership. They have consistently led by example and supported every level of our ecosystem, including their willingness to invest in middle tier and emerging trainers. This reflects a deep and long-standing commitment not just to success, but to strengthening and sustaining the entire racing community.”
Siegel will be honored at TOC’s Annual Meeting at Del Mar on Saturday, August 15.
TOC is the official organization serving new, veteran and future Thoroughbred owners in the state. It represents, advances, and protects owners’ interests and rights in legislative, administrative and business matters. www.toconline.com.