Nominations for the 2026 Ballot closed on March 1 with seven candidates for seven open positions. As a result, and consistent with previously established TOC procedures, the TOC Board declared the seven candidates that were nominated and qualified as having been elected without the vote of the full membership. This has the added benefit of saving the organization approximately $18,000 in election expenses. I am pleased to announce the election of five directors to three-year terms and two directors to two-year terms.
Gary Barber – Twice named National Owner of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) and Outstanding Owner at the Jockey Club of Canada’s Sovereign Awards in 2023 and 2024, Gary has enjoyed incredible success as an owner and breeder in America, Canada, and across the world. He is Chairman and CEO of Spyglass Media Group, LLC, a premier entertainment company and his career in entertainment spans over four decades.
Tim Cohen – A lifelong Californian from a family involved in horse racing for more than 60 years, Tim’s background was in the hospitality industry, managing hotels and restaurants. He is now fully immersed in horse racing with an international presence known for importing horses from the U.K., Ireland, and Europe and introducing new owners through Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners.
Matt Dohman – Founder of Optimum Frist Mortgage and a licensed real-estate broker, Matt owns horses both individually and in partnership under his syndicate California Racing Partners, which has enjoyed success in graded stakes.
Gary Fenton – TOC Chairman and one of the 12 stewards of The Jockey Club, Gary is Managing Partner of Little Red Feather. He has campaigned multiple Grade 1 winners with Little Red Feather, including current stable star Gold Phoenix – winner of four consecutive Del Mar Handicaps – and Breeders’ Cup winner Singletary. Gary is an entertainment attorney.
Terry Lovingier – Owner and president of Lovco Construction, Inc., Terry is best known as owner and operator of Lovacres Ranch in Warner Springs, and one of the biggest breeders in California. In addition to Grade 1 winner Willa B. Awesome, he has raced many of his homebreds in small partnerships which have become Cal-bred stakes winners and champions.
Darren Filkins – Appointed in July of last year, Darren is the Chief Executive Officer of Harris Farms. He was mentored by legendary owner and breeder, John Harris, and he continues John’s legacy as a dedicated supporter of the Cal-bred program with the goal of Harris Farms to breed and race competitive horses.
John Sikura – Appointed in January of this year, John is President of Hill n’ Dale Farms and one of the leading horsemen in North America. He has a great love for California racing, dating back to his childhood days attending the races at Santa Anita. He stands Curlin along with many other top stallions and campaigned Richi to win two graded stakes last year at Santa Anita.
Filkins and Sikura will serve two-year terms, while all others will serve three-year terms. These seven directors join TOC Board members Joe Ciaglia, Mark Glatt, Ty Green, Ryan Hanson, Stephanie Hronis, Bob Liewald, Andy Mathis, and Samantha Siegel in comprising our 2026-27 Board of Directors.
The new board will be seated on July 1, 2026.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions at bnader@toconline.com.
Best regards,
Bill Nader
TOC President & CEO