Joel Cunningham VP, Communications

A native of Monroe, Louisiana, Cunningham was introduced to horse racing at a young age through his father and developed a lasting passion for the sport attending races at Louisiana Downs and Fair Grounds. While earning his marketing degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, he co-founded a family breeding and racing operation, gaining early hands-on experience that would shape his career across both the breeding and racing sides of the industry.

Prior to joining Eclipse, Cunningham spent seven and a half years as Director of Marketing & Communications at Spendthrift Farm, where he built and led the farm’s in-house marketing and communications division. During his tenure, he played a key role in elevating Spendthrift’s brand positioning and visibility amid a period of sustained commercial growth, helping support one of the largest and most successful stallion rosters in the industry—highlighted by seven consecutive General Sire titles by Into Mischief during his time there.

Earlier in his career, Cunningham spent more than a decade at PM Advertising, where he worked closely with many of the sport’s leading farms and racing organizations. His experience also includes roles with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association in Ocala, Florida; Churchill Downs Incorporated in Louisville, Kentucky; and Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana, providing him with a comprehensive perspective across multiple sectors of the industry.

Cunningham’s work has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including recognition in five consecutive years by the Central Kentucky American Advertising Awards, highlighted by Best of Show in 2020, as well as a win at the Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards in the Commercial category in 2021 after being named a finalist in 2020.

At Eclipse, Cunningham oversees the company’s brand and marketing strategy and communications initiatives, focused on strengthening the Eclipse brand and enhancing the ownership experience for its partners.

Cunningham resides in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife, Lindsey, and their two children, Beckham and Blakely.

Contact Joel at joel@eclipsetbpartners.com