Arcadia, Calif. – The board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) voted to appoint Samantha Siegel to fill a vacancy on the board created by the recent resignation of George Todaro.

Siegel, who races as JayEmEss Stable, is an active owner and breeder whose family has been involved in California Thoroughbred racing for more than five decades. Her late father, Mace, was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. JayEmEss has campaigned many graded stakes winners, including multiple Grade I winners Urbane, I Ain’t Bluffing, and Include Me Out, Grade I Hollywood Gold Cup winner Rail Trip, 2004 champion juvenile colt Declan’s Moon, multiple Grade 2 winner Arson Squad, and homebred Grade I winner By the Moon. Siegel is also passionate about horse retirement and serves on the board of CARMA and as Treasurer of that organization. She resides in Beverly Hills.

“We are very pleased to welcome Samantha and feel that, with her involvement and experience as an owner and breeder, she can offer a unique perspective to the TOC board,” said Chairman Mike Pegram. “Samantha will be at our next board meeting in February, and I’m certain she will get quickly up to speed.”

“I am excited to join the TOC board,” said Siegel. “And I am looking forward to working toward the continued improvement of Thoroughbred racing in California.”

TOC is the official organization serving new, veteran and future Thoroughbred owners in the state. It represents, advances, and protects owners’ interests and rights in legislative, administrative and business matters. www.toconline.com.