Stuart Janney III, chair of The Jockey Club, announced Nov. 19 that he will step down from his position as chair, effective August 2025. He recommended, and the board of stewards of The Jockey Club agreed, that Everett Dobson, a member of the board of stewards, be chosen as his successor. The leadership transition will commence over the coming months, and Janney will remain on the board of stewards through his term, which will end in August 2026.
Janney, a prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder for several decades, was elected vice chair of The Jockey Club in 2010 and became chair in 2015. During his tenure, The Jockey Club expanded its commercial businesses and used those proceeds to make substantial investments to support the sport. Janney was awarded the Eclipse Award of Merit earlier this year. He is chairman emeritus of Bessemer Trust and resides in Butler, Md.
As an owner and breeder for over three decades, Janney has campaigned numerous top-class horses, led by homebred multiple grade 1 winner Coronado's Quest. In partnership with the Phipps Stable, Janney co-owned and co-bred 2013 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Orb.
Dobson is also a longtime owner and breeder of Thoroughbreds. He owns Candy Meadows Farm, a broodmare farm near Lexington, and races under Cheyenne Stables. Stakes winners raced by Cheyenne Stables alone or in partnership include Caleb's Posse , Olympiad , Roses for Debra, and dozens more.
He is on his second term as a steward of The Jockey Club. He serves on the executive committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and is the immediate past chairman of the American Graded Stakes Committee. Dobson is a member of the Breeders' Cup and a trustee of the Keeneland Association. A native and resident of Oklahoma, Dobson is the executive chairman of Dobson Fiber, a telecommunications company based in Oklahoma City. He is also an investor in the Oklahoma City Thunder National Basketball Association franchise and serves on its board of directors.
Under Janney's leadership, 5 Stones intelligence was engaged to investigate cases of impropriety in horse racing, sparking federal prosecutions and penalties for offenders. Janney also previously chaired The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Safety Committee, recommending industry improvements.
"I consider it a privilege to be associated with the accomplishments The Jockey Club has achieved over the past several years, including our many initiatives to sustain and grow the sport, and of course the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act," Janney said. "These accomplishments, and so many more, are because everyone at The Jockey Club puts the horse first, and I'm proud to be a member and to have served as chair."
at the Keeneland September Sale
"I am honored to follow Stuart as chair of The Jockey Club," Dobson said. "I will continue to ensure that The Jockey Club remains true to its mission of being dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing."
The other stewards of The Jockey Club are Barbara Banke, Louis A. Cella, Bill Farish (vice chair), Gary Fenton, Terry Finley, Ian D. Highet (treasurer), William M. Lear (secretary), David O'Farrell, R. Alex Rankin, and Vinnie Viola.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
