Gagliano to retire as president of The Jockey Club
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James Gagliano will retire as president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club effective Jan. 1, 2027, it was announced Monday by Everett Dobson, chair of The Jockey Club.
Charlotte Clement de Bona, currently the chief strategy and transformation officer, will become the chief operating officer effective Jan. 1. The Jockey Club will launch a search for a chief executive officer to lead the organization. Clement is the daughter of late trainer Christophe Clement.
Gagliano joined The Jockey Club in 2005 as executive vice president and chief administrative officer and has served as president and chief operating officer since January 1, 2010.
“On behalf of The Jockey Club and its board of stewards, I want to thank Jim for his extraordinary leadership and service over the past 21 years, especially his 16 years as president,” Dobson said in a release. “During his tenure, The Jockey Club advanced many of the most significant initiatives in modern Thoroughbred racing, and Jim helped position The Jockey Club as a driving force for positive change throughout the industry. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the long-term health and welfare of the Thoroughbred will leave a lasting positive impact on our sport.”
During Gagliano’s tenure as president, The Jockey Club expanded its investments in marketing and fan development through America’s Best Racing; significantly increased television coverage of the sport, especially with FOX Sports; promoted Thoroughbred aftercare through the creation of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, establishment of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and other related initiatives; strengthened the industry’s commitment to equine and rider safety through programs such as the Equine Injury Database and the Jockey Health Information System; and played a leadership role in developing and implementing national integrity and safety standards through passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 and the creation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
Gagliano will continue to represent North America internationally as vice chair for the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ executive council, a role he has held since October 2010.
“After more than 21 years with The Jockey Club, I have decided it is time for new beginnings,” Gagliano said in a release. “It has been a tremendous privilege to serve this organization and the Thoroughbred industry. I am deeply grateful to the stewards and chairs who placed their trust in me and provided me with the opportunity to lead The Jockey Club during a period of significant change and progress.”
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