Breeding Programs in Focus During Nov. 12 Workshop

The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) hosted a regional breeders organization workshop at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, November 12, to identify best practices and areas of growth for the industry. More than 60 individuals from 23 organizations attended. "Collaboration among industry stakeholders is essential to the continued growth of our sport," said Everett Dobson, chair of The Jockey Club. "This workshop offered valuable perspectives from across the country on successful strategies and ways we can strengthen our efforts to reward current breeders while attracting new ones." Longtime racing executive Doug Reed, principal of Racing, Gaming & Entertainment LLC and former University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program director, presented on his work in Iowa and New Mexico featuring the feasibility of regional programs. "The Jockey Club will offer complimentary reports from our databases to all state and provincial breeder associations, including information about where horses migrate to and from, as presented by Doug Reed," Dobson said. Other presentations and panels featured programs from Maryland, New York, and Virginia, and the mare reimbursement programs of California, Indiana, Maryland, and Ontario were discussed in detail. In addition, Corey Johnsen, a Thoroughbred breeder, owner, and racetrack executive, shared creative ideas on awards for open races, a handicap system, and how to recruit new breeders. To facilitate further regional cooperation, The Jockey Club and TOBA will organize face-to-face meetings with the many regions represented at the workshop, and another workshop is being planned for next year. "We can't thank Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association enough for their hospitality at this inaugural workshop," said Dan Metzger, president of TOBA. "It was inspiring to see the collaboration and support for one another—and the industry as a whole—among all of the regions. The discussions sparked numerous innovative ideas, and we're excited to continue fostering regional conversations. We look forward to reports of progress." The workshop concluded with an open forum and next steps presented by Dobson and Metzger, followed by networking opportunities during an afternoon of racing at Churchill Downs. Materials with regional summaries were provided by BloodHorse to attendees and will be available on The Jockey Club and TOBA websites. (Click here to view the booklet provided to attendees.) These summaries will be updated regularly.