Tim Capps Memorial Scholarship

This memorial scholarship was established in 2017 in memory of the late Timothy T. Capps, director of the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program from 2011-2017 and a highly regarded consultant in the Thoroughbred horse racing industry. The Timothy T. Capps Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to an Equine Business student at the University of Louisville who possesses the same positive qualities that Capps exhibited throughout his life – a strong will, a desire to succeed and learn, and a passion for horses.

Tim Capps brought a great deal of experience to the Equine Industry Program when he assumed the role as its director. He is remembered for his extensive knowledge in not only the Thoroughbred industry, but the equine industry as a whole. Known as a Renaissance man, Capps held across-the-board positions in the Thoroughbred industry and amounted experience as Director of Operations for The Jockey Club, Executive Vice President of the Maryland Jockey Club, the Maryland Horse Breeders’ Association, and the Maryland Million, Vice President of Matchmaker Racing Services, and the Editor and Publisher of the Thoroughbred Record magazine. Earlier in life, Capps also served as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer during the Vietnam War.
Tim Capps devoted the majority of his time to Thoroughbred racing and his students. Capps always provided a helping hand, but it wasn’t without his signature smirk and sarcasm. His love of teaching led to refuge in the classroom where he would engage students in critical thinking and foster solutions outside the box on equine industry issues. Most importantly, Capps loved nothing more than helping his students flourish as they discovered their true passions, whether they were in the equine industry or not. As a dedicated director, professor, mentor and friend, Capps encouraged his students to believe in themselves, follow their passions and pursue them endlessly.

This memorial scholarship serves as a tribute to Timothy T. Capps and all that he encompassed. Through this award, his inquisitive spirit is kept alive, and his memory serves as an inspiration for future students.

Eligibility

Applicants to the Timothy T. Capps Memorial Scholarship must:

  • Have completed a minimum of 45 credit hours
  • Be a full-time junior or senior enrolled at the University of Louisville and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Equine Business
  • Be an active member of the Riding and Racing Club
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Preference will be given to candidates with a strong interest in a career in the Thoroughbred industry and/or journalism and who have had or currently have work experience in the Thoroughbred industry

Required Materials

  • A current resume
  • Transcripts (unofficial is accepted).
  • Two letters of recommendation/character references from a professor, counselor, coach or supervisor.
  • A personal statement (Times New Roman, 12 point font, single spaced, one-inch margins) between 500 and 900 words addressing:
    • Equestrian interests
    • Dreams, goals, and/or passions
    • Application of work-based learning in the equine industry
    • At least one of the following:
      • Innovation in the Thoroughbred registry, racetrack management or marketing the sport of Thoroughbred racing
      • Innovation in communication through publications or communication between a company and its customers (example: horse trainer and client relationships)
      • Innovation in stable management and/or training methods

Deadline

The application opens in late fall and closes in late January each year. The scholarship award is available for the full academic year.

Award Amount

$2,000 ($1,000 per semester) will be awarded to one recipient annually. Students are able to receive this award for more than one academic year; however, they must complete a new application each year in order to be reconsidered.

Additional Information

Selection will be based on candidate’s involvement in the equine industry, leadership potential, innovative vision and academic achievement.