The Jockey Club today announced Oct. 7 the appointment of Najja Thompson to a newly created position as director of state breeder and provincial programs. The role has been established to oversee and coordinate strategies aimed at strengthening and growing Thoroughbred breeding programs throughout North America.
In this position, Thompson will help lead The Jockey Club's efforts to identify opportunities for growth in state- and provincial-bred and regional breeding markets, foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, and support initiatives designed to enhance the long-term viability of the Thoroughbred breeding industry.
Thompson joins The Jockey Club after serving as executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders from December 2020 through October 2026, where he worked to strengthen New York's Thoroughbred breeding program, advance the interests of breeders, and promote the significant economic impact of Thoroughbred breeding and racing throughout the state. He also represented NYTB on the boards of the New York Racing Association and the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund.
Prior to leading NYTB, Thompson spent nearly a decade in marketing, communications, and human resources roles at NYRA. He served as president of the Turf Publicists of America from 2023 through 2025 and currently serves as the organization's vice president. He also hosts the TDN Business Hour for Thoroughbred Daily News.
"Najja brings a unique combination of leadership experience, industry knowledge, communications expertise, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing regional breeding programs," said Everett Dobson, chair of The Jockey Club. "His experience working with breeders, racetracks, industry organizations, and policymakers will be invaluable as we develop new strategies to support state-bred programs and strengthen the Thoroughbred breeding industry."
Thompson serves on the boards of the Backstretch Employee Service Team, the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
A graduate of Florida State University, Thompson developed his passion for Thoroughbred racing through his uncle, Florida breeder Larry Stewart. Growing up around racetracks in Florida and New York, he transformed a lifelong interest in the sport into a career dedicated to advancing the Thoroughbred industry.
The NYTB praised Thompson for his efforts as executive director in a separate press release.
"Since his arrival to the NYTB, Najja, along with the help and support of our Board of Directors, has been instrumental in helping to grow and improve the landscape and trajectory for New York Thoroughbred breeding and racing," NYTB president Lere Visagie said. "He has helped build consensus among regulators and elected officials, allowing the NYTB to reach new heights as an organization. These attributes served him well at NYTB as well as in his career, and we wish him all the best in the future."
His final day there is Oct. 9, and after taking some personal time, including some travel, he will begin his new position at The Jockey Club on Oct. 26, Thompson told BloodHorse.
In the NYTB release, Thompson called it "a tremendous privilege to lead the organization in its efforts to represent and strengthen the New York-bred program on behalf of NYTB members and all New York-bred program participants."
Capitol Hill Management Services will expand its longstanding partnership with NYTB, continuing to provide day-to-day management and operational support during the organization's leadership transition. Led by president John Graziano Jr., CHMS intends to build upon its existing work with NYTB to ensure continuity of operations, member services, programs, and organizational priorities.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
