Switzer to retire after 21 years as executive director of KTA/KTOB

LEXINGTON – David Switzer, the executive director for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders for the past 21 years, will retire on Aug. 1, the organization said, after 56 years in the Thoroughbred industry.

Switzer, who conducted lobbying and represented the organizations at regulatory meetings, will be replaced by Chauncey Morris, the former director of business development for the KTA and KTOB, the organizations said.

“I think I speak for all Kentucky owners and breeders in saying we owe a heartfelt debt of gratitude to David,” said Clifford Barry, the president of KTA/KTOB, in a release. “His contributions to the Thoroughbred industry leave a lasting legacy of which we can all be very proud.”

Switzer often participated in negotiations with racetracks for percentages of purse money, along with the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, and he sought additional funds for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Incentive Fund. He was also instrumental in implementing the highly popular Scholarship Days at Keeneland, and has worked toward securing funds from the Kentucky legislature to conduct research on equine-related topics and for renovations to state diagnostic laboratories.