January 28, 2022 (Lexington, Ky.): The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Board of
Directors elected Jeffrey Bloom as president for the 2022 term and elected new board members
at its meeting Jan. 28.
Bloom, managing partner of Bloom Racing Stable, has served as a TAA board member since 2019.
A Thoroughbred industry veteran of 40 years, he was a professional jockey in addition to
serving as a racing manager, bloodstock agent, marketing and media relations consultant, and
broadcaster. Following his riding career, he earned a B.S. degree in Financial Services from
San Diego State University and his business resume includes a successful venture in corporate
business development in the software technology industry. He has selected and managed the
careers of numerous stakes winners including the 2019 Eclipse award champion and multiple
G1 winner Midnight Bisou. He is extremely passionate about racehorses and their overall
welfare both on and off the racetrack. In addition to his involvement with the TAA, he also
serves on the board of TOBA.
“As a 37-year veteran of the Thoroughbred industry, horse welfare has always been an
important part of the business for myself and Bloom Racing,” said Bloom. “Through serving on
the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board, I have come to realize how important this
organization needs to be for all of us who are fortunate enough to work in such a dynamic sport.
As incoming president of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, I look forward to assisting the
board, the accredited organizations, and the industry at large with the ongoing plan that serves
us all well.”
James G. Bell, president and racing manager of Godolphin, served as TAA president in 2014
and 2021. Bell will remain on the TAA’s board and executive committee for 2022 as immediate
past president.
“Our board members stepped up to the plate in 2021,” said Bell. “Much of our success can be
attributed to board members actively engaging other industry participants in discussion about
aftercare solutions. Our new members all bring that same dedication and Jeff has been very
instrumental throughout his time on the board. With his leadership and energy, many new goals
will be reached for the TAA.”
Bloom and Bell are joined on the executive committee by TAA Vice President Craig Bandoroff,
owner of Denali Stud; TAA Treasurer Melissa Hicks, director of tax services at Dean Dorton;
TAA Secretary Walter Robertson, attorney at Stites & Harbison; Madeline Auerbach, founding
board member of the TAA, founder of the California Retirement Management Account
(CARMA), and a Thoroughbred owner and breeder; Terry Finley, founder and chief executive
officer of West Point Thoroughbreds, board member of the New York Thoroughbred
Horsemen’s Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Thoroughbred
Charities of America, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, and Belmont Child Care Association; and
Aidan Butler, chief operating officer of 1/ST Racing and president of 1/ST Content. The TAA
rotates its board of directors and its executive officers.
The board members beginning service in 2022 are: Laura Barillaro, executive vice president
and chief financial officer of The Jockey Club; Dr. Jeffrey Berk VMD, Equine Medical
Associates; Aidan Butler, chief operating officer of 1/ST Racing and president of 1/ST Content;
Mark Casse, Hall of Fame trainer; John A. ‘Jack’ Damico, founding partner of Matson, Driscoll &
Damico LLC, manager of The Posse Racing Stable and East Coast Partners; Terry Finley,
founder and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds, board member of the New
York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association,
Thoroughbred Charities of America, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, and Belmont Child Care
Association; Melissa Hicks, tax director of Dean Dorton.
They join current TAA board members: Jimmy Bell, Jeff Bloom, Walt Robertson, Jr., Madeline
Auerbach, Craig Bandoroff, Simon Bray, Donna Brothers, Boyd Browning, Tom Cannell, Brian
Graves, Susie Hart, John Keitt, Chip McGaughey, Josh Rubenstein, Richard Schosberg, Tom
Ventura, and Nicole Walker.
Click here to see the full list of the TAA’s board of directors.
About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
Based in Lexington, Ky., the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that
accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, rehome,
and retire Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its
original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is
supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry
members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $24.5 million to accredited
aftercare organizations. Currently 82 aftercare organizations supporting approximately 180
facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA,
visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.
TAA Press Release
Photo: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
CONTACT
Stacie Clark
859-230-5881
sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org
Alexandra Kokka
859-224-2882
akokka@thoroughbredaftercare.org
