Lawson to chair Jockey Club of Canada

Jim Lawson, who has been active in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry for some 30 years, has been appointed chairman of the board of the Jockey Club of Canada.

"Jim Lawson has the industry knowledge and experience to help lead Canada to its rightful place in international Thoroughbred racing," said Dick Bonnycastle, who is retiring from the chairman's post.

Lawson, a member of the board of directors of the Woodbine Entertainment Group, manages the Jim Dandy Stable of his father, Mel Lawson.

The president and chief executive officer of Westerkirk Capital Inc., a Toronto-based private investment office, Lawson also sits on the board of directors of a number of private companies.

The Jockey Club of Canada, founded in 1973 by the late E.P. Taylor, serves as the international representative of the Canadian Thoroughbred industry and promotes improvements to Thoroughbred racing.

The JCC also organizes the Sovereign Awards and administers the Canadian graded stakes program.