JESSICA BUCKLEY, senior vice-president of Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing for Woodbine Entertainment since 2020, will step away from that position on June 30, according to industry memos from Woodbine and the Ontario HBPA on June 16.
The popular Buckley was an integral member of many facets of Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park from building up the Mohawk Park brand once the standardbreds made that track their permanent home. You would see Buckley working with many organizations on the Thoroughbred side, not only management, including LongRun and community events.
She was also was involved in the COVID-19 Health and Safety Committee, which developed and managed industry-leading prevention protocols that allowed live racing to safely operate during the pandemic.
Buckley, whose mother Mary and father Bob built up the successful Anderson Farms Thoroughbred empire (now run by her brother David) has a successful history of working in horse racing, beginning with a summer job at Woodbine following graduation from university.
She was part of the team that launched HPIbet (HorsePlayer Interactive) and HPI TV at Woodbine before taking a job with Magna Entertainment (now The Stronach Group) in California where she helped launch Xpress Bet and Horse Racing TV (now TVG2). After nine years at Magna, Buckley returned to Canada and Woodbine to work with the property development in the role of Government Relations and Community Relations. When Standardbred racing was moved from Woodbine to Mohawk permanently, Buckley became president of Mohawk Park before assuming her current vice-president posting.
Buckley also worked closely with Ontario horsepeople. and news of her departure led to a litany of messages from owners, trainers and barn staff on social media. Sovereign Award winning trainer Barbara Minshall said, “Sorry to hear Jessica is leaving, she had the right stuff!”
The Board of the HBPA said Buckey’s departure is a loss to the industry.
“Jessica is first-class in every way,” said HBPA president Sue Leslie in a memo to members. “She was always available for consultation. She never hesitated to act when faced with a challenge or tough decision. I respected her objectivity and her willingness to compromise. Jessica wore her commitment to, and love of our industry, on her sleeve. I learned from her, valued working with her, and will miss her.”
Michael Copeland, who joined Woodbine last year as Chief Commercial Officer, will assume the responsibility as the senior leader of Thoroughbred and Standardbred Racing.
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