James Gagliano to step down as president of The Jockey Club after 16 years
Executive James Gagliano will retire as president and chief operating officer on January 1, 2027, concluding more than a decade at the helm of one of the most influential organizations in American thoroughbred racing. Charlotte Clement de Bona will assume the role of COO, while a search begins for a new CEO
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).— One of the longest and most influential executive tenures in American thoroughbred racing is coming to an end. James L. Gagliano will retire as president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club effective January 1, 2027, after 21 years with the organization and 16 at the helm of its executive leadership.
The announcement was made by Everett R. Dobson, chairman of The Jockey Club, who also confirmed part of the leadership structure that will take effect with the new year.
Charlotte Clement de Bona, currently Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, will step into the role of Chief Operating Officer on the same date, while The Jockey Club launches a search to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer.
Gagliano joined the organization in 2005 as executive vice president and Chief Administrative Officer before assuming the duties of president and COO on January 1, 2010.
Since then, his name has been linked to a period of profound transformation within the American industry, spearheading initiatives that spanned from horse racing promotion and national television exposure to equine welfare, jockey safety, and the establishment of national integrity standards.
“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 stated.
“During his tenure, The Jockey Club drove many of the most significant initiatives in modern racing, and Jim helped position the organization as a driving force for positive change across the entire industry.”
A Tenure Defined by Transformation
Under Gagliano’s presidency, The Jockey Club substantially increased its investment in marketing and fan development through America’s Best Racing.
The organization also expanded horse racing’s presence on television, most notably through its partnership with FOX Sports, a strategic effort designed to broaden racing’s reach across mainstream audiences.
Another cornerstone of his administration was the care of racehorses following their retirement from the track.
Under his direction, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program was developed and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was established, alongside various other programs dedicated to thoroughbred retirement and lifelong welfare.
Prioritizing Safety and Data
Programs such as the Equine Injury Database and the Jockey Health Information System significantly expanded the collection and practical use of data surrounding equine and rider injuries.
The Jockey Club also played a key role in the process that led to the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 and the subsequent creation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, marking one of the most comprehensive regulatory shifts in American horse racing in decades.
“His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the long-term health and welfare of the thoroughbred will leave a lasting positive impact on our sport,” Dobson emphasized.
An Executive Transition
While stepping down from his executive duties at The Jockey Club, Gagliano will maintain his international involvement.
He will continue to represent the United States as vice chairman of the Executive Council of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), a position he has held since October 2010.
“After more than 21 years with The Jockey Club, I decided it is time for new beginnings,” Gagliano explained. “It has been a tremendous privilege to serve this organization and the thoroughbred industry.”
The executive also highlighted the opportunity to lead the institution “during a period of significant change and progress,” offering special thanks to those who worked alongside him over the past two decades.
His departure initiates an important transition period within The Jockey Club.
As Clement de Bona takes over as COO, the organization will begin its search for a new CEO to lead its next chapter.
Gagliano steps away from front-line management after 21 years during which The Jockey Club dramatically expanded its operational footprint. From fan engagement and television coverage to welfare, safety, and integrity, his leadership left its mark on nearly every major evolution in 21st-century American racing.
