Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) announced August 31st the appointment of Morgan Richardson, Liam O’Rourke, Dan Metzger, and Jesse Ullery to its Board of Directors.
“Many thanks to Lesley Campion, who did a great job of chairing the TCA nominations committee,” said Mike McMahon president of TCA. “We have four great new board members to add to our power packed group of industry professionals. I love this board. These people give horses and the people who care for them so much time and effort. They are all-stars and with talent like this, we will likely reach our goal of distributing $30 million in grants sooner than expected.”
Morgan Richardson is the current Horsemen Relations Manager at Keeneland. A native of Illinois and Michigan, Morgan graduated from the University of Kentucky, with a degree in Equine Management and Science and Hospitality Management and Tourism. Morgan has worked for several equine-focused organizations including Spruce Meadows, Equestrian Events, and New Vocations. In her free time Morgan can be found riding her off track Thoroughbred, Alfayiz.
A native of Canada, Liam O’Rourke was introduced to horse racing at an early age by his grandfather. After earning a degree in finance from Bishop’s University in Quebec, Liam went on to complete the world renowned Irish National Stud Course. Upon returning to North America, Liam worked in the racing office at Woodbine before moving into bloodstock work at Adena Springs Canada. In 2016, Liam joined the team at WinStar Farm and in 2020 moved into his current role as Director of Bloodstock.
Dan Metzger is the president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and started his career at Cawood Ledford Productions and later worked at Breeders’ Cup Limited for over 10 years. Dan is also a board member of the BloodHorse LLC and president of TOBA Media Properties. Dan and his wife Julie live in Nicholasville, KY and are the parents of three children.
Born in Montana and raised in Phoenix, Jesse Ullery was introduced to the sport by his grandfather Burton Farley, a trainer in the Northwest and at Turf Paradise, and by his aunt, longtime racing official Coralee Farley. At 19, he became the Track Announcer at Fair Meadows in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2007 and was named Track Announcer at Will Rogers Downs and Blue Ribbon Downs the following year. He also served as Director of Racing at Fair Meadows and Will Rogers Downs in 2013 – 2016. Since 2018, Jesse has served as Sales Announcer at Fasig-Tipton in addition to his role as Account Executive. Jesse also serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the Blue Grass Farms Charities.
The four newly elected board members join current board members Lesley Campion (vice president), Marette Farrell, Casi Gaffalione, Torie Gladwell, Marshall Gramm, Lesley Howard (treasurer), Davant Latham (secretary), Brant Laue, Jason Loutsch, Ryan Mahan, Mike McMahon (president), Leah O’Meara and Cathy Shircliff. Gretchen Jackson, Ellen Moelis and Dan Rosenberg are directors emeriti.
Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds to charities in the Thoroughbred industry that fund and facilitate the support of Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them. In 2022, TCA granted over $783,000 to 74 charities working within Thoroughbred retraining, rehoming and retirement; backstretch and farm worker services, research and equine-assisted therapy. Over the last 33 years, TCA has granted more than $26 million to more than 200 charities that successfully meet the criteria set forth in its annual grant application. TCA also administers the Horses First Fund, founded by LNJ Foxwoods in 2016, to assist Thoroughbreds in need of emergency aid. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owner and Breeders Association (TOBA). More information can be found at tca.org.
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