Mary Forney has spent her entire working career in the California Thoroughbred industry, and the California Thoroughbred Foundation is lucky to have someone with her wealth of experience join the board. In one sense, she is coming home because her first job was as secretary to Brian Sweeney, general manager of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Once her mother took Mary and her sisters to the races at Santa Anita, Mary’s dream was to work in the industry. She remained at the CTBA for 14 years, and she and her husband, Jim, started their family of three children. During her time at the CTBA, Mary also wrote articles for this magazine.
In 1990, fellow Foundation trustee Jane Goldstein convinced Forney to come work for Santa Anita as the program production coordinator. Forney spent 13 years at Santa Anita, later as the executive assistant to the president and simulcast coordinator. In dealing with out-of-state simulcast contracts, she traveled to tracks throughout the country.
She joined the Thoroughbred Owners of California as director of operations in 2004, rising to executive director in 2020. Following 18 years with TOC, Forney retired in July 2022. She has served on the board of the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation and in 2006 was named Outstanding Woman in Thoroughbred Racing by the California Legislature. Forney continues to give back to the industry by also serving on the board of directors of the Winners Foundation.
“Because of my early association with the CTBA and admiration for the Carleton Burke Library and the work of the Foundation, I am particularly pleased to join the CTF board,” Forney said, “and look forward to working with a dedicated group of individuals.”