Koch Named Safety & Integrity Executive Director

Steve Koch has been named Executive Director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance. Starting Apr. 6 and based in Lexington, Koch will oversee the NTRA’s accreditation program which is tasked with assuring the establishment and implementation of uniform standards for racetrack safety and integrity. Koch has spent the last seven years as vice president of Thoroughbred racing for Woodbine Entertainment Group. 

“Steve has built his reputation on maintaining high standards for safety and integrity at Woodbine, an organization which has long been one of the industry standard-bearers in these areas,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. 
In addition to his time at WEG, Koch also spent four years at the Keeneland Association. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Kentucky. 

“I’m very proud to join an organization as highly regarded as the NTRA,” Koch said. “Safety and integrity represent the most critical issues facing our sport and I look forward to helping the industry adopt the highest standards possible for the benefit of horses, riders and the betting public.” 

Koch succeeds Mike Ziegler, who left the NTRA in January to become Executive Director of Racing for Churchill Downs, Inc.