Tuesday, May 26, 2026	Contact: Shannon Luce (859) 224-2716
The Jockey Club Promotes Kristin Werner to VP, Thoroughbred Strategy and Industry Initiatives
James L. Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club, announced today that Kristin Werner has been named vice president, Thoroughbred Strategy and Industry Initiatives. “This promotion reflects The Jockey Club’s continued commitment to serving the industry through initiatives that support and advance the Thoroughbred, both on and off the racetrack,” said Gagliano. “Kristin has played a key role in developing and leading efforts that strengthen welfare and safety for racehorses, expand opportunities for Thoroughbreds beyond racing, and foster collaboration across the industry. Her work speaks to both her leadership and her dedication to the mission of The Jockey Club.” In her role, Werner will continue to lead strategic initiatives and broaden engagement with stakeholders across racing, aftercare, and the sporthorse and wider equine communities to advance shared priorities in welfare, safety, integrity, and responsible horsemanship. Werner’s responsibilities will include expanding efforts that connect racing and equestrian sport disciplines, supporting industrywide standards and best practices, and promoting initiatives that enhance the long-term sustainability of the Thoroughbred and the sport. Werner joined The Jockey Club in 2005 and most recently served as deputy general counsel and director of Industry Initiatives. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Kentucky and a juris doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law. She is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and is involved with numerous industry committees including leadership roles with the American Horse Council where she serves as a trustee, International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses, Racing Officials Accreditation Program, and Kentucky Horse Council. She also serves on a committee or as an alternate board member for the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, and United Horse Coalition. The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for Thoroughbreds in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. A New York non-profit organization governed by a board of stewards, The Jockey Club has offices in New York and Kentucky. Profits from the commercial subsidiaries of The Jockey Club support investments in initiatives to improve the health, safety, and welfare of Thoroughbreds and to market and grow the sport. Among its many supported initiatives are America’s Best Racing (americasbestracing.net), OwnerView (ownerview.com), and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (tjctip.com). Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

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