By Bloodhorse.com
ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2019) — Mike Pegram and Mark Dedomenico have announced their retirement from the Thoroughbred Owners of California board. Pegram has stepped down after ten years as a director, including five years as chairman of the board. Dedomenico served on the board since 2011, during which time he chaired the TOC Medication Committee.
At its October meeting, the TOC board voted unanimously to appoint Jeff Bloom and Richard Rosenberg to fill the vacancies on the board created by the two resignations.
“The TOC thanks both men for their years of dedicated service on the board,” said chairman Nick Alexander.
“We particularly want to recognize Mike Pegram for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of all Thoroughbred owners,” Alexander continued. “He was incredibly committed to the future of our racetracks, our purse structure, and the health of our sport. During his time on the board, Mike led the efforts negotiating with the California Legislature, the (California Horse Racing Board) and racetracks to secure passage of AB 1072, which has since provided tens of millions in much needed purses to California horsemen.”
“Mark Dedomenico brought to the board his expertise as a renowned cardiovascular surgeon and researcher,” Alexander said. “He worked tirelessly to find practical applications for the latest scientific research on equine medication and treatment. In 2013 he hosted a conference of international equine scientists to study (exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage), catastrophic injuries, and the use of stem cells in treating equine injuries.”
Bloom has been actively involved in the Thoroughbred racing industry for more than 35 years. He has been a professional jockey, racing manager and bloodstock agent, marketing and media relations consultant, and broadcaster. He founded and runs Bloom Racing Stable, LLC, that has campaigned numerous stakes winners including potential 2019 Horse of the Year, Midnight Bisou. Bloom earned a B.S. degree in financial services from San Diego State University. Extremely passionate about racehorses and their overall welfare, he is a member of the executive board for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Rosenberg served on the California Horse Racing Board from 2009 to 2016 and was Vice Chairman the final three years. He was the worldwide head of the music department of the William Morris Agency, founding partner of Regency Artists, and president of Triad Artists. He received his B.S. from UCLA and LLD from UCLA Law. He practiced law in Beverly Hills for more than 11 years, also serving as president of the Beverly Hills Barristers and as a director of the Beverly Hills Bar Association. He raced standardbreds for many years and currently races Thoroughbreds in southern California.
TOC is the official organization serving new, veteran and future Thoroughbred owners in the state. It represents, advances, and protects owners’ interests and rights in legislative, administrative and business matters.