Raffetto leaving steeplechase group

Lou Raffetto will be leaving his post as CEO of the National Steeplechase Association on June 30. A former president of the Maryland Jockey Club, Raffetto is leaving to pursue other opportunities within the Thoroughbred racing industry, the steeplechase group said in a release.

Raffetto joined the steeplechase group in March 2008. According to the release, Raffetto initiated live video streaming of steeplechase meets on the organization's website, helped develop the first parimutuel card centered on steeplechasing last September at Monmouth Park, and created a day of championship steeplechase racing last fall broadcast live on NBC Universal Sports.

Raffetto, 59, held key management positions at Monmouth Park and Suffolk Downs in addition to the Maryland Jockey Club.