BY THE JOCKEY CLUB PRESS OFFICE

The Jockey Club today announced the appointment of Najja Thompson to a newly created position of director of State Breeder and Provincial Programs. The role has been established to oversee and coordinate strategies aimed at strengthening and growing Thoroughbred breeding programs throughout North America.

In this position, Thompson will help lead The Jockey Club’s efforts to identify opportunities for growth in state- and provincial-bred and regional breeding markets, foster collaboration among industry stakeholders and support initiatives designed to enhance the long-term viability of the Thoroughbred breeding industry.

Thompson joins The Jockey Club after serving as executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders from December 2020 through October 2026, where he worked to strengthen New York’s Thoroughbred breeding program, advance the interests of breeders, and promote the significant economic impact of Thoroughbred breeding and racing throughout the state. He also represented NYTB on the boards of the New York Racing Association and the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund.

Prior to leading NYTB, Thompson spent nearly a decade in marketing, communications, and human resources roles at NYRA. He served as president of the Turf Publicists of America from 2023 through 2025 and currently serves as the organization’s vice president. He is also host of the TDN Business Hour for Thoroughbred Daily News.

“Najja brings a unique combination of leadership experience, industry knowledge, communications expertise, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing regional breeding programs,” said Everett R. Dobson, chair, The Jockey Club. “His experience working with breeders, racetracks, industry organizations, and policymakers will be invaluable as we develop new strategies to support state-bred programs and strengthen the Thoroughbred breeding industry.”

Thompson serves on the boards of the Backstretch Employee Service Team, the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of Florida State University, Thompson developed his passion for Thoroughbred racing through his uncle, Florida breeder Larry Stewart. Growing up around racetracks in Florida and New York, he transformed a lifelong interest in the sport into a career dedicated to advancing the Thoroughbred industry.

Return to the October 7 issue of Wire to Wire