Monday, September 28, 2026	Contact: Shannon Luce 859.224.2716
James L. Gagliano to Retire as President and Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club
James L. Gagliano will retire as president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club effective January 1, 2027, it was announced today by Everett R. Dobson, chair of The Jockey Club. Charlotte Clement de Bona, currently the chief strategy and transformation officer, will become the chief operating officer effective January 1, 2027. Gagliano joined The Jockey Club in 2005 as executive vice president and chief administrative officer and has served as president and chief operating officer since January 1, 2010. “On behalf of The Jockey Club and its board of stewards, I want to thank Jim for his extraordinary leadership and service over the past 21 years, especially his 16 years as president,” said Dobson. “During his tenure, The Jockey Club advanced many of the most significant initiatives in modern Thoroughbred racing, and Jim helped position The Jockey Club as a driving force for positive change throughout the industry. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the long-term health and welfare of the Thoroughbred will leave a lasting positive impact on our sport.” During Gagliano’s tenure as president, The Jockey Club expanded its investments in marketing and fan development through America’s Best Racing; significantly increased television coverage of the sport, especially with FOX Sports; promoted Thoroughbred aftercare through the creation of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, establishment of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and other related initiatives; strengthened the industry’s commitment to equine and rider safety through programs such as the Equine Injury Database and the Jockey Health Information System; and played a leadership role in developing and implementing national integrity and safety standards through passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 and the creation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. These are in addition to numerous other initiatives aimed at improving the health, safety, welfare, and future of the Thoroughbred and the sport that were developed under his leadership. Gagliano will continue to represent North America internationally as vice chair for the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ executive council, a role he has held since October 2010. “After more than 21 years with The Jockey Club, I have decided it is time for new beginnings,” Gagliano said. “It has been a tremendous privilege to serve this organization and the Thoroughbred industry. I am deeply grateful to the stewards and chairs who placed their trust in me and provided me with the opportunity to lead The Jockey Club during a period of significant change and progress. “I have been fortunate to work alongside an outstanding team and many dedicated industry participants whose passion and commitment inspire me every day. I wish The Jockey Club continued success in its efforts to strengthen and advance our sport, and I am pleased to continue representing the organization internationally through my work with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.” The Jockey Club will launch a search for a chief executive officer to lead the organization. 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. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and directly or through subsidiaries, it serves the information and technology needs of the sport of Thoroughbred racing. 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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