TOBA names board 2012-2013 trustees

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced today the re-election of Peter Willmott as chairman of its Board of Trustees. Also joining Willmott on the Board of Trustees to serve three-year terms as new members are Ramona Bass, Craig Bernick and Bryan Sullivan.

Re-elected to three-year terms were current trustees Terry Finley and Seth Hancock.

Immediately following its annual members meeting, the TOBA Board of Trustees met to elect officers for the 2,000-member association. Officers named for 2012-2013 are: Peter Willmott, chairman, Seth Hancock, vice-chairman; Dan Metzger, president; John Greely IV, secretary; and Dr. J. David Richardson, treasurer.

“I am again honored to be entrusted with the chairmanship of TOBA,” said Peter Willmott. “We have a great group of people serving as trustees and I look forward to working with them over the next year on the challenges facing TOBA and the industry.”

The TOBA Board also approved the appointment of J. Michael O’Farrell, Dr. J. David Richardson and Peter Willmott to the American Graded Stakes Committee. The 2012-2013 committee is comprised of TOBA members Dr. J. David Richardson (chair), William Farish, Jr., Seth Hancock, Michael Levy, J. Michael O’Farrell and Peter Willmott and racing officials Rogers Beasley (Keeneland), Dan Bork (Gulfstream Park and Ellis Park), P.J. Campo (NYRA), Michael Dempsey (Monmouth Park) and Thomas Robbins (Del Mar).

TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization leading Thoroughbred horse breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to “improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders.” Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, Sales Integrity Program and Claiming Crown. Thoroughbred Charities of America is the charitable arm of TOBA. TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse, Inc., and is represented on the Board of Directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a founding member. More information on TOBA appears on www.toba.org.

From TOBA