BERKELEY, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2014) — Donald Valpredo was elected President, Harris Auerbach Vice President, Tim Cohen Treasurer and Sue Greene Secretary of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association at Monday night’s Board of Directors meeting in Berkeley.
It was also announced at the meeting that John Barr, Leigh Ann Howard and Jane Johnson were re-elected to Board seats and Edward Freeman won election as the newest member of the Board. Greene had been President for the previous three years but was termed out per association by-laws.
“After three outstanding years as serving as President of our organization the CTBA, Sue Green was termed out. The directors wrestled with the thought of a change in the by-laws to extend the term for another year, but after good discussion decided to pass on a by-law change,” said Valpredo.
“We have some outstanding and energetic newcomers on the board and one or two oldtimers. To encourage and facilitate the learning process of some younger directors I inherited the position of once again serving as the President of the CTBA.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead in working with new members on the Executive Committee and in implementing some new and directed actions. This is a big year ahead of us at every level in California breeding/racing with changes in our racing calendar, the realization at the track of the first year of runners from a decline in the foal crop and many important legislative issues before us.
“California breeders are optimistic on addressing the challenges that we face and we do it with vigor and excitement and will leave no stone unturned in our goal to be a leading force in the national breeding and racing scene.
“I thank Sue for her dedicated service on the past three years, in a continuance in working with her and for the support and confidence of the directors in electing me to this one year term.”
Valpredo, a native Californian, is a lifelong horseman and rancher from Bakersfield, where he partnered with his father, John, on Dimaggio. Valpredo later co-bred California Horse of the Year Soviet Problem with fellow CTBA Board member John Harris.
Valpredo served three earlier one-year terms as CTBA President from 1986-88. He is credited with helping conceive California Cup. Valpredo also has served on the California Horse Racing Board, the Breeders’ Cup, the Thoroughbred Owners of California and is a member of The Jockey’s Club.
Freeman, a native of England, has trained since 1990 and bred in partnership for 20 years. He oversees Paul Reddam’s breeding operation at Vessels Stallion Farm, which includes the leading sire Square Eddie and more than 30 mares.
“The foal crop in California has halved since I first moved here but I believe that the work done by the CTBA to boost rewards for California-breds has helped to stabilize those numbers,” Freeman wrote in his ballot statement. “The challenge is to create an environment in which the breeding industry can flourish. Being an owner and trainer, as well as a breeder, I am well aware of the obstacles faced by all groups. I look forward to working towards a stronger breeding industry in California.”
Greene has been involved with Thoroughbred racehorses since 1969, and currently owns and manages Woodbridge Farm in Oakdale.
Barr has been an owner/breeder in California for over 40 years and is a past president of CTBA. He is President and Director of the Oak Tree Racing Association, has served on the Board of Stewards of The Jockey Club, served for five years on the Board of Directors of Breeders’ Cup Ltd. And is a Past President of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA).
Howard became a member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) in 1968 and has been on the CTBA’s Board of Directors for 16 years.
Johnson, a member of the CTBA since 1979, is the co-owner, along with her husband Myron, of Rivendell Ranch in Fresno.