Board of Directors

Breeders' Cup Limited has elected 22 individuals to serve as Breeders' Cup Members, the group announced Tuesday. Voting for the 2026 Member election by 2025 Breeders' Cup foal and stallion nominators concluded at 5:00 p.m. ET on June 1 with Votenet, an independent election services company, administering the voting process and certifying the results. The following individuals, listed alphabetically, received the most votes from the Breeders' Cup nominators to fill 22 Member seats. By total votes cast, 20 members will each serve a four-year term and two will each serve...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has appointed Dr. Megan Knoell and Donald Little, III to its board of directors, according to a press release from the organization on Thursday. Dr. Knoell is the founder of Knoellwood Equine and has dedicated her career to providing individualized equine care with a focus on general medicine, geriatrics, and sports medicine. Little currently serves as Vice President of Sales at Centennial Farms, continuing a family legacy deeply rooted in the Thoroughbred industry. "We are thrilled to welcome Megan and Donald to the TRF Board...

Drew Fleming, the president and chief executive officer of Breeders' Cup Limited, and Elliott Walden, president, CEO and racing manager for WinStar Farm, have been elected as directors of the board of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the organization said in a release Monday. For a second consecutive year, Walter S. Robertson, Jr., a member of the law firm Stites & Barbison PLLC, will serve as TAA president. "I am honored to continue serving as President of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and grateful for the continued confidence of the Board of...

INSIDE A YEAR OF MOMENTUM--AND THE COLLABORATION STILL NEEDED 2025 marked a turning point for Thoroughbred racing--not because of a single initiative or organization, but because the industry began leaning more intentionally into transparency, collaboration, and proactive communication. Light Up Racing was honored to play a role in this broader movement toward truth-based storytelling, stepping in as one demonstration of what's possible when we show the public who we truly are with clarity and consistency. The attached 2025 Impact Report provides a clear picture of that shift--the measurable momentum, the...

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) has appointed Craig Bandoroff and Ken Freirich to its board of directors, the organization said via a Wednesday press release. Craig Bandoroff, founder of Denali Stud in Paris, Kentucky and a former jockey, is a well-respected leader in the Thoroughbred industry. "I am very pleased to be asked to serve on the board of the PDJF," said Bandoroff. "It is an organization that means a lot to me for some obvious reasons. These riders gave everything to our benefit and for horse racing." Ken...

Fred Maas, who has served in myriad roles in industry, politics, sports and development and is a self-proclaimed horse racing fan, has been named the 10th member of the Board of Directors of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the track announced in a release Wednesday. Maas, 68, is the current Chief of Staff and Counselor for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League, overseeing all business and legal functions. A cum laude graduate of Syracuse University, he has worked in state and local politics alongside the likes of...

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) has re-elected David O'Farrell as chairman of its board of trustees, along with new members serving three-year terms Jonathan Green, Walker Hancock, Dean Reeves and Adrian Wallace, the organization said via a press release on Wednesday. Re-elected to three-year terms were current trustees Billy Koch, Braxton Lynch, David O'Farrell and Francis Vanlangendonck. Following its annual members meeting, trustees met to elect officers for the association. Officers named for 2025-2026 are: David O'Farrell, chairman, Garrett O'Rourke, vice-chairman, Dan Metzger, president; Brant Laue, secretary; and...

Darren Filkins has been unanimously voted to fill the vacancy on the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) created by the recent passing of John Harris, the group announced Monday. The CEO of Harris Farms since January 2022, Filkins has held a variety of agriculturally centered positions before joining Harris Farms, and is a known face in California. "I'd previously worked with Darren through some difficult issues and was impressed by his intelligence, forthrightness and integrity--two characteristics welcomed on any industry board," said TOC Board member...

Cindy McDonald and Michelle Keating have been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). McDonald is armed with a background in finance, strategic planning, and community engagement, while Keating offers experience in leadership and community service. As Senior Vice President at KeyBank, McDonald has an background in developing innovative financial strategies and fostering community partnerships. "I am honored to join the TRF Board of Directors," said McDonald. "I look forward to leveraging my 30 years of nonprofit experience to help drive the mission forward and...

Jockey Katie Davis McCarthy has been appointed to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's (TRF) Board of Directors, it was announced Wednesday. Born and raised in Saratoga Springs, New York, Davis McCarthy comes from a renowned racing family. Her father, Robbie Davis, is a former jockey and current trainer, while two of her five siblings, Dylan and Jackie, are also professional jockeys. "I'm honored to join the TRF Board and support the foundation's ongoing work. I'm here to support everyone and look forward to being part of an organization that gives so...

Watercress Farm's Fred Hertrich III and Coolmore Stud's Clem Murphy have been re-elected to the organization's Board of Directors by the Breeders' Cup Members, and SF Racing's Tom Ryan has been elected to the same body, Breeders' Cup announced Wednesday. Each will serve terms lasting four years. "We congratulate Fred and Clem on their re-election and Tom on his election to the Board," said Barbara Banke, Chairman of Breeders' Cup Limited. "Together, their expertise and insight will contribute to the success of future Company initiatives, including the global expansion and...

Five open seats on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) have been filled, with four of the positions filled by returning members and one by a new member. Returning to the board are veterinarian Brooke Bowman, DVM; owner-breeder Michael Horning; Country Life Farm and Merryland Farm co-owner Josh Pons; and Northview Stallion Station's general manager David Wade. Trainer Phil Schoenthal is joining the MHBA Board for the first time. The five elected will serve for the next three years and will join current directors William...