Meet our Team

Our Team has Decades of experience in executive management in racetrack operations, racing offices and are well versed in the importance of safety for all. We look forward to serving as your proud partner in delivering safe surfaces and protocols for all industry participants.

Steve Andersen, the founder of DDESS, has a unique perspective on the thoroughbred industry. Not only does he have extensive experience in breeding, owning, and…

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Chief Executive Officer

Kiah Kraus, serving as the Chief Executive Officer for Defendable Data and Equine Safety Solutions brings an innovative approach to analytics, with modern leadership expertise,…

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C. Frank Shoop is the former Chairman of Frank Shoop Chevrolet-Buick-Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram Inc. of Georgetown and Cardinal Chevrolet-Buick-Cadillac in Hazard, KY.

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Andre is the owner of Regard Law Group PLLC based in Lexington, Kentucky.   Andre represents clients in personal injury claims, business litigation, business transactions, consumer…

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Our Mission Statement

OUR MISSION:  Deliver reliable surfaces that meet the highest standards of consistency and are Defendable.

About our Team & Specialists

At Defendable Data and Equine Surface Solutions (DDESS), our world-class team is dedicated to ensuring your horse racing track is consistent, uniform, and crisis-ready. With “The Defender” Unit© and decades of expertise, we deliver data-driven solutions to defend your track surface.

  • Subsurface Data Specialists: Industry leaders in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), capturing precise cushion depth and sub-surface data daily to guarantee track uniformity.
  • Material Testing Experts: Partnered with regional laboratories, our team conducts unbiased surface sample analysis, providing clear, actionable results to validate track quality.
  • Surface Specialists: Our affiliated experts, with decades of experience across turf, dirt, and synthetic tracks, offer thoughtful, unbiased recommendations and maintenance protocols to ensure uniform and consistent surfaces.
  • Public Relations Professionals: With extensive PR expertise, we craft clear, data-driven messages to defend your track during crises, securing impactful press coverage to protect your reputation.
  • Your Proud Partner: We’re committed to delivering safe surfaces and protocols, working closely with your team to uphold the highest standards in equine surface uniformity and performance.

Contact us to connect with our team and explore how we can defend your track today.

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