Each election cycle, the Thoroughbred Daily News gives the candidates on the ballot for the election of Breeders' Cup Members the opportunity to make a statement in support of their candidacy. This year, there are 30 individuals on the ballot vying for 19 positions. These statements will appear in the TDN through June 6, when voting opens. Go to www.breederscup.com/election to view the candidate bios.
BOYD BROWNING
I have the opportunity to deal with a large number of diverse participants in the Thoroughbred industry in my role at Fasig-Tipton. Breeders throughout the United Statesand the world, at all levels transact business with us, which provdes me a broad perspective which should be beneficial to the Breeders' Cup.
LINCOLN COLLINS
I am both surprised and honored to have been nominated as a potential Breeders' Cup member.
My professional experience with thoroughbred racing spans more than 35 years, the last 27 of which has been spent at the helm of my own business, Kern Thoroughbreds. When I came to the United States in 1981 I literally started from scratch, not knowing a single person in American thoroughbred racing or breeding. My first Breeders' Cup was in 1985 at Aqueduct, to which I traveled via the New York subway. With the support of my family, friends and, above all, loyal and patient clients, have accumulated a great deal of experience within this great sport. In addition to my bloodstock and advisory business, I have been an owner, a breeder and a manager of racing partnerships.
The Breeders' Cup is the single event that showcases the very best of North American racing and as such should serve as an example for the rest of the sport to emulate. In an era when gambling opportunities are proliferating and the competition for the entertainment dollar is keener than ever, it is essential the Breeders' Cup continue to innovate. Certainly money generated from gambling is the lifeblood of racing, but to keep it flowing we must find ways to attract new fans to the sport whether it is to bet, enjoy the spectacle, appreciate the horses or, preferably, all three.
In asking for your vote, I want to make it clear that I am opposed to race day medication. I also strongly believe that we must root out the small number of cheats who abuse the trust of the fans, the faith of the bettors and the health of the horse. Out of competition testing is essential if the increasing sophistication of the cheats is to be effectively countered.
If elected I will bring another independent voice to the Breeders' Cup membership. I am not beholden to any organization or business. My only agenda will be work hard and play my small part in ensuring the future of the Breeders' Cup and the great sport that it showcases.
HARRY “CHIP” LANDRY
If elected; my diverse background in breeding and racing across various regions of the US and the contacts and friendships I've made will allow me to give voice to breeders from a broad area of the country. My goal is to help build on the success of racing's most prestigious Championships and in addition help work toward addressing the problems with which we are faced. I believe the Breeders' Cup in its unique position as the major thoroughbred breeders' co-op in the world has a responsibility to provide leadership and vision that will not only encompass one event, but will look at breeding and racing as a whole. By making such a commitment, Breeders' Cup could benefit and promote the survival of an industry that has always provided me, my family and countless others much joy and wellbeing.
MIKE ROGERS
As a member of your Board, I would bring over 27 years' experience from all aspects of the racing industry. Most importantly, I could offer my unique perspective of involvement from all sides of the Breeders' Cup event; from fan to participant to management of a host site.
OLIVER TAIT
My experience in the thoroughbred industry around the world provides me with a perspective that can benefit the Breeder's Cup. I am an investor in American thoroughbreds and I strongly believe that the Breeder's Cup can play a vital role in the growth and prosperity of the sport. In particular, I feel the Breeder's Cup can promote horse racing to a wider audience and in doing so can provide long term value to participants in the industry.
DAVID O'FARRELL
As a third generation horseman that is fully invested in the thoroughbred business, I would be honored to serve on the Breeders' Cup Board, if elected. The Breeders' Cup has a unique opportunity within our sport through which it's very own breeders and owners can lead our industry using their resources and forward thinking ideas to not only promote its main event, but can direct the sport and bring much needed structure and integrity to American racing year round.
CHARLOTTE WEBER
Having been involved in the thoroughbred business for many years, I think the Breeders' Cup Board can and should play an instrumental role in defining the industry and what is best for all participants using a level playing field. The industry needs to direct, guide and ensure the best for the betting public, the sportsman and the horses.
ARON WELLMAN
It is an honor to be nominated and considered as a potential candidate for the Breeders' Cup Member's Board. My every day mission as the President of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners is to positively introduce as many new people to our glorious sport as possible and to provide those people with a quality overall ownership experience. If elected, the Breeders' Cup Board would serve as a vehicle for me to contribute, lead by example and give back to the industry that has been so good to me and my family.
As a native of California who operates a coast-to-coast racing stable consisting of partners from all parts of the country and having participated in 7 Breeders' Cup races in the 5 years since Eclipse was formed, I believe I possess a unique perspective on the Breeders' Cup competitive experience and an intimate understanding of how to continue to improve and build the Breeders' Cup brand from a myriad of angles.
By blending my understanding and respect for the tradition of the Breeders' Cup with my enthusiasm for promoting the sport, I have conviction that I can prove to be an asset to help enhance the Breeders' Cup so as to better deliver the experience our breeders, owners, fans and gamblers desire.
GAVIN MURPHY
The Breeders' Cup is a chance to showcase the best of American racing and to set the highest possible standards for the conduct of racing in the US. I believe there is great opportunity to continue to improve the racing experience in the US for all participants. I feel I can bring a broad and balanced perspective to the Breeders' Cup mission and contribute in a positive way to the ongoing growth and success of this great event.
BILL OPPENHEIM
Those of us who were elected as Members in 2008 were fortunate enough to participate in a transparent, comprehensive Strategic Planning Process in 2009 which resulted in some great growth strategies for the Breeders' Cup, including: expanding the Breeders' Cup reach through a new international stallion nomination program, which has produced $2-million in revenue annually and a big increase in the number of international foals eligible to the Breeders' Cup; expanding the Breeders' Cup brand, which became the Win-and-You're-In Challenge Series and the “Road from the Belmont to the Breeders' Cup”; and creating $10,000 nominators awards for Win-and-You're-In races which result in around $450,000 annually being paid almost exclusively to domestic foal nominators. I've worked on these programs, with other Members, Directors, and Management, through the Racing and Nominations Committee, and in 2013 was elected to the Board of Directors and appointed Co-Chairman of that committee. A lot has been accomplished, and we are fortunate to have a great management team which is expanding the Breeders' Cup's reach through the partnership with NBC as well as exploring the whole range of newly emerging digital platforms. I support all these developments. My whole professional career has been in this industry, and I hope that I have represented and will continue to represent the many professionals who seek common-sense and consensus-building solutions to the industry's challenges, domestically and internationally. Specifically, while I completely support the industry's efforts for federal legislation on race-day medication, I'd also hope that there is still work going on within industry groups to find solutions which will bring us more in line with international standards, for example eliminating race-day medication in Graded or Black-Type races. Finally, I'd like to say it has been a real privilege to serve as a Member and Board Member. I want to thank those nominators who have supported me in the past, and I would be very grateful for your support again in this election as we work together to try and make things ever better in the future. Thank you.
CARRIE BROGDEN
My entire life has been centered on horses. I rode before I could walk. I love what I do more than anything. I love the horses and want only the best for our industry to thrive. I am certainly not the one with all of the great ideas, but I sure would like to make sure that those that are, are heard. All I do from sun up to sun down is work, but I feel like I do not work a day in my life. I cheer for success for others and am deeply touched with the low points that we all face when it comes to racehorses. Everything I do is from my drive and passion. I only want racing to get stronger, better and more popular in the mainstream. Our success at Machmer Hall and Select Sales comes solely from our passion to raise and sell the best possible horse we can. I will never quit trying to make a positive difference and being on the board of a world-class event like the Breeders' Cup would be a huge step for me and for those women that have been embraced so warmly in this industry.
BERNIE SAMS
I bring an important point-of-view to the table with my knowledge of stallion promotion, stallion syndicate management, seasons, share sales and transactions and foal nominations. I have over 35 years of experience to draw upon; from the hands-on groom to bloodstock/syndicate manager for one of the pre-eminent farms in the industry. I look forward to serving on the board because I feel it is important to ensure that the views of the stallion syndicates and foal owners are represented.
DR. W. ANDREAS JACOBS
My involvement in breeding and racing in Europe and South Africa will further internationalize the reach and scope of the Breeders' Cup. I am happy to open up my international business network as well as my horse-related network to the Breeders' Cup.
W. BRUCE LUNSFORD
Fifty years ago, during my college days, I witnessed Abe's Hope upset Graustark in the 1966 Bluegrass S., and since that time, thoroughbreds have had a special place in my heart. During my 30 years as an owner and breeder, I have been fortunate to realize a modicum of success along with the normal challenges associated with our industry. It has been a pleasure to serve as a member of the Breeders' Cup Limited and on the Enhanced Experience Committee to showcase the beauty, integrity and excellence of our sport, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue my service.
DOUG CAUTHEN
I have served as a Breeders' Cup board member during times of great change and progress for the organization, and I applaud the work done by the small board and management to bring unity and progressive solutions to the organization. I bring a diverse perspective to the Breeders' Cup, because I act on my own or on the behalf of others as a breeder, a buyer, a seller, a stallion manager, and a manager of a racing stable. I wish to remain on the big board in order to represent the clients and industry participants whom I hear from on a daily basis about how we can make both the industry and the Breeders' Cup better. I would appreciate your support so that I am able to collaborate in the furtherance of the Breeders' Cup's future success.
BARBARA BANKE
I would be honored to receive your vote to continue to serve as a member of the Breeders' Cup. The Breeders' Cup represents the very best of American racing and is uniquely positioned within the Thoroughbred world to make our industry even stronger. I will work to ensure that the Breeders' Cup continues to grow and thrive in the increasingly competitive global sports marketplace.
In addition to overseeing Stonestreet's racing and breeding programs, my activities as the head of a multinational winemaking operation require a commitment to innovation and an outlook that is both national and international in scope. I have recently broadened my thoroughbred activities to include racing in Australia and the UK, and breeding in Australia.
I know that American racing needs to increase its market share by supporting owners and breeders, implementing well-considered medication reforms, focusing on promotion and finding ways to strengthen both the product and the experience. I believe we have endless potential and the opportunity to develop it together.
Thank you for your consideration.
SOL KUMIN
Over the course of the last two years, I have invested a great deal of time into horse racing, attending many of the major races, sales, etc. I have taken a major interest in the sport and I recognize how important and impactful the Breeders' Cup is to horse racing as both a championship event and year round leader for the industry. I think my passion and enthusiasm would be additive to the board and I would be delighted to serve.
JON SIEGEL
As the managing partner of the world's largest Thoroughbred advertising agency, I am constantly thinking about how to market and promote our sport. To me, it's not just a job: it's my life.
I was born and raised a horseman in Ocala, Florida, and have worked in many different facets of the industry from sales prep to stallions to the training barn.
I believe that hands-on experience has been invaluable to me in my work now at PM Advertising, where I am tasked with bringing more exposure to my clients and to racing. PM Advertising's clients now include major stallion farms, trainers, and people who specialize in sales prep, including some of the farms in Florida where I worked early in my career.
When making decisions, I always keep in mind not just the good of my clients, but the good of the industry as a whole. My wife Christine and I are also breeders and owners and have a small farm in Central Kentucky.
What will I bring to the Breeders' Cup board?
I firmly believe that the horse has become too removed from our lives in American culture. I'd like to show the American public what we know as horse people: this is a great industry centered around a very special commodity: the bond we have with the horse. As a member of the Breeders' Cup board, I'd like to take everything that goes into making our industry so special and showcase it to the public, because I believe that once people get a look inside our industry, they're hooked for life.
GEORGE BOLTON
I would like to set up an owner recruitment effort that invites potential owners to the “Win and Your In” races as well as the Breeder's Cup Championship Day itself. I would like to entertain these people on the backside in the morning and the races in the afternoon. Hopefully, they will enjoy themselves and learn enough to come to join us in this great sport.
DR. J. DAVID RICHARDSON
I have been privileged to be a Member for the past few years and a director of the Breeders' Cup as well. I have owned, bred, and raced horses for over 40 years and continue to do so with 15 mares and a dozen horses in training. I am representative of so many people in the industry, in that I don't own a farm or stallions outright but have mares, stallion shares and racehorses. Also, like many others, horses are not my “day job”, as I have been a surgeon for 40 years. I have been fortunate to work in the industry with TOBA, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, and to have served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Each of these experiences have provided me with a different perspective on the industry and sport. I have given time to these groups and others because I have great passion for the all aspects of breeding and racing of thoroughbred horses.
I believe the Breeders' Cup is an absolutely vital part of our industry and believe it needs to be held in different venues to showcase the event to different segments of the racing world and diverse fanbases. I believe we can continue to grow the BC as an event and if re-elected as a member will continue to work with other members, Directors and our fine staff to do that.
MARIA NIARCHOS-GOUAZE
The Niarchos Family has been involved with the Breeders' Cup Limited since its inception. I believe the Breeders' Cup is the true global championship. I look forward to continuing to serve the Breeders' Cup.
CLEM MURPHY
As Coolmore/Ballydoyle continue to support the Breeders' Cup, I feel it is important that we should be represented at Board level. The International element is vital to the long term success of the Championships. Since the Breeders' Cup has expanded its nomination program to broaden international participation in its racing programs we have seen some of the world's best horses participate in its year end Championships. As Co Chairman of the Racing And Nominations Committee I would like to see this trend continue with even more and the very best horses from around the world participating.
DR. JOHN PARK
With the experience I have in the equine health, welfare and business facets, I am confident that I can be an asset as a Breeders' Cup Member. I understand the role and I am excited about the opportunity to serve the equine industry in yet another capacity.
PATRICK COSTELLO
My entire livelihood is invested in the Thoroughbred industry, from my sales company to my personal involvement in breeding and pin-hooking. From working in Kentucky for 32 years, I have gained invaluable experience and made many connections with breeders, trainers and owners, both domestically and abroad. It is with my foreign ties that I very much hope to be able to encourage greater European participation, and be an approachable Board member among my fellow breeders. It would be an incredible honor to be elected as a member of the Breeders' Cup, and if so, I will be fully committed to helping to increase awareness by being a support and informational source for breeders.
BARRY WEISBORD
I have spent 40 years in the racing industry pursuing the betterment of the sport for the benefit of owners, breeders, bettors, and fans. At the Breeders' Cup, I particularly enjoyed my chairmanship of the Enhanced Experience Committee (2011-2015), and the successful initiatives we introduced, which included the Breakfast Marquee, the Taste of the World, the Enclosure, the Champions Terrace, and the Ambassador Program. If reelected, I would look forward to continuing my association with EEC and the governance committees.
CARLOS HELLER
Chilean businessman Carlos Heller Solari inherited his lifelong passion for racing from his mother, Liliana Solari Falabella, who founded Haras Don Alberto in 1987. The family's breeding operation, which began with 30 mares, became Chile's leading breeder and expanded internationally with the purchase of the former 450-acre Vinery Stud in Kentucky in 2013. The Don Alberto name has even made headlines in England, where their homebred became the first winner for the great Frankel. Carlos also serves as president of Chile's Club Hipico de Santiago racetrack. Known as a dynamic entrepreneur, Carlos is president of the prominent Chilean financial group Grupo Bethia.
“My passion for racing on a global level and my commitment to the international advancement of the Thoroughbred industry, enhanced by my business acumen, makes me an ideal candidate for election to the Breeders' Cup.”
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