FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Board of Directors elected two new directors at its meeting on December 15 for 2026. For a second consecutive year, Walter S. Robertson, Jr., a member of the law firm Stites & Harbison, PLLC, will serve as President of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
“I am honored to continue serving as President of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and grateful for the continued confidence of the Board of Directors,” said Robertson. “It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate group of industry leaders whose leadership and generosity are fundamental to advancing our shared mission. Together, we will continue to build upon the strong foundation of accredited aftercare to ensure a safe, dignified, and meaningful future for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers.”
Directors beginning service in 2026 are Drew Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited, and Elliott Walden, President / CEO & Racing Manager of WinStar Farm.
Drew Fleming is President and Chief Executive Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited, which operates the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Since being elected CEO in 2019, Fleming has overseen growth in global participation, wagering, media distribution, and strategic partnerships. Under his leadership, the Breeders’ Cup has expanded internationally through the Challenge Series and Global Pool and advanced safety and integrity initiatives.
Elliott Walden is President, Chief Executive Officer, and Racing Manager of WinStar Farm and a third-generation Kentucky horseman. A former Eclipse Award–winning trainer, he trained 1998 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Victory Gallop and was a multiple leading trainer at both Churchill Downs and Keeneland. Walden was named President and CEO of WinStar Farm in 2010 and has overseen one of the industry’s premier breeding and racing operations, including 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify.
The recently appointed directors will join the current board, which is comprised of Tony Allevato, Craig Bandoroff, Laura Barillaro, Donna Barton Brothers, Price Bell, Dr. Jeffrey Berk, Christina Blacker, Boyd Browning, Aidan Butler, Dr. Bonnie Comerford, Larry Connolly, Joe De Francis, Georganne Hale, Melissa Hicks, Jay Privman, Walt Robertson, Dean Roethemeier, Yvonne Schwabe, Mark Simendinger, Barbara Vanlangendonck, and Ric Waldman.
After dedicating years of expertise, leadership and resources, Madeline Auerbach, Tom Cannell, and Jack Damico will conclude their service on the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Board of Directors at the end of 2025.
About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $40.74 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently, 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 175 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.
Contact Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
859-224-2756
info@thoroughbredaftercare.org
Operations Consultant
Stacie Clark Rogers
859-230-5881
sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org
Media Contact
Samantha Smith