By Bloodhorse.com
TORONTO, Alberta (Sept. 14, 2019) — Craig Fravel, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO since 2011, will depart the organization at the conclusion of this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 1-2 to accept a position as The Stronach Group’s CEO of Racing Operations.
In his new position, Fravel will assume management and oversight of all racing operations across Stronach Group-owned tracks and training facilities. In a release, TSG said Fravel will focus on implementing and enforcing global best practices and integrity standards for horse and rider safety in collaboration with key industry stakeholders while driving a new standard of excellence in Thoroughbred horse racing with a commitment to creating an unparalled experience for both horsemen and guests.
“I am delighted to have Craig join our company at this pivotal moment in our sport,” Stronach Group chairman and president Belinda Stronach said. “Craig’s stellar reputation and proven track record of leadership will enable us to further our goal to become North America’s preeminent horse racing organization as we work lockstep with industry partners to prioritize horse and rider safety.”
The move continues a flurry of personnel changes at TSG since a rash of catastrophic breakdowns this year at Santa Anita Park, which is owned by The Stronach Group.
Some of those moves include:
- In April, TSG announced the hiring of former Racing Medication and Testing Consortium executive director Dionne Benson as chief veterinary officer;
- In August, TSG announced the hiring of Steve Koch, who had served as executive director of the Safety & Integrity Alliance at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, as its senior vice president of racing;
- Also in August, TSG announced that Aidan Butler, who spearheaded reforms at Santa Anita, would expand his role of chief strategy officer to be acting executive director of California Racing Operations.
- Among his many achievements during his time as president and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup, Fravel developed and executed a long-term host site strategy and successfully brought the World Championships to two first-time tracks in Keeneland (2015) and Del Mar (2017). Fravel expanded international participation in the World Championships to its highest levels ever and struck an unprecedented 10-year partnership with NBC Sports to televise the World Championships through 2025. Working with industry stakeholders, Fravel also spearheaded plans to increase horse safety and welfare measures.”I can think of no greater privilege than to have had the opportunity to preside over what I consider the greatest championships in Thoroughbred racing,” Fravel said. “Every race comprising the Breeders’ Cup World Championships provides the chance to witness the splendid horses that reflect the hard work of breeders, trainers, jockeys, owners, and backstretch workers. It has been an honor to serve them all during my time at the Breeders’ Cup. I want to thank the women and men of the Breeders’ Cup for their dedication and passion for our event.
“My particular gratitude goes to the Breeders’ Cup Board led in recent years by Bill Farish and Fred Hertrich, whose support has been invaluable. I now look forward to new and important challenges and opportunities and the chance to join my family back in California.”
“On behalf of our board and members, we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Craig for his outstanding leadership and enormous accomplishments as our president and CEO these past eight years,” said Breeders’ Cup chairman Fred Hertrich III. “His management and stewardship of the organization, not to mention his quick wit and calm demeanor, will be greatly missed by all of us. We wish Craig continued success in his new venture with one of our most valuable host site partners, The Stronach Group.”
In a release, the Breeders’ Cup said its Board of Directors is evaluating the appropriate next steps to fill Fravel’s position.
Before accepting his position with Breeders’ Cup in July 2011, Fravel oversaw operations at Del Mar for more than 20 years. He oversaw the $80 million reconstruction of the track’s grandstand in 1992-93 and the $9 million installation of a new racing surface, completed in 2007.