Raffetto jumps! (UPDATE: Leaving NSA; Returning to MJC?)

[Kasept]

Congrats to Lou...


STEEPLECHASING TAPS LOU RAFFETTO FOR NEW CEO POSITION

The National Steeplechase Association has chosen longtime racing executive Lou Raffetto to fill a newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. Most recently the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Jockey Club, Raffetto will manage company operations and direct plans for the future.

Raffetto joins a staff of four at the NSA's headquarters in Fair Hill, Md. and starts the new position March 17. The announcement closed work done by a special search committee appointed by the NSA Board of Directors, which was thrilled when Raffetto expressed interest.

"We were lucky to have someone of his caliber available when we came to the conclusion that we wanted someone to run the company," said NSA President Franny Abbott. "I love his enthusiasm, I love his history in flat racing. He's got the people skills to be helpful with our race chairmen and horsemen and he will be able to help in our goal to become a bigger part of the Thoroughbred industry."

Raffetto's position was created in January after several long-range planning meetings and growth discussions within the NSA board. The NSA hopes to expand the scope of steeplechasing in North America through additional race meets, more racetrack participation and increased numbers of horsemen and horses.

Raffetto left the Maryland Jockey Club and owner Magna Entertainment in November. Before his seven-year stint in Maryland, Raffetto helped revive racing at Suffolk Downs near Boston, Mass. as that track¹s executive vice
president/general manager. He held other racetrack positions in New Jersey, Maryland and Florida and was a trainer on the New Jersey/Pennsylvania circuit in the mid-1970s.

"The NSA presented me with a unique opportunity, one that will allow me to work with individuals who share the same passion for horse racing as a sport," said Raffetto, "but still realize the importance of growing it as a business."

The NSA is the official governing body of steeplechase racing (Thoroughbred horse racing over jumps) in North America. In 2007, NSA purses reached a record $5.3 million with racing at 32 individual race meets in 12 states and racing at six racetracks. The 2008 NSA season begins March 22 with the Aiken Steeplechase in Aiken, S.C.