Avioli resigns as president and CEO of Thoroughbred Owners of California

Greg Avioli has resigned as the president and chief executive officer of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the organization announced Friday.

In a terse one-paragraph statement, the TOC said Avioli has left “to pursue other interests and ventures.”

Avioli did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

“TOC appreciates the contributions he has made to the organization and to the California Thoroughbred community as a whole and wishes him well in his future endeavors,” the statement read.

The organization said it has launched a search for a replacement.

Avioli’s departure comes months before California racing is seeking voter approval in November to allow sports betting at racetracks as a way to enhance purses. Currently, the state’s racetracks derive purse money from handle and do not have slot machine revenue similar to many racing circuits across the continent.

Avioli joined the TOC as a consultant in 2015 and assumed the executives roles in July 2016. Avioli had previously worked as chief executive of the Breeders’ Cup until 2011 when he took an executive role with The Stronach Group, the parent company of Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Laurel, Pimlico and Santa Anita.

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