Avioli joins Thoroughbred Owners of California

Greg Avioli, a former chief executive of the Breeders’ Cup, has been hired to a similar position with the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the organization announced Wednesday.

Avioli will start in the newly created position July 1. Nick Coukos remains president of the TOC.

Avioli has worked as a consultant to the TOC in the last year on issues related to gambling legislation and account wagering. In a statement, TOC chairman Mike Pegram said Avioli will focus on legislative and regulatory issues.

The TOC is the official representative for Thoroughbred horsemen in the state.