Thoroughbred Owners of California’s longest running board member, Jack Owens, and its executive director, Mary Forney, are set to retire on July 1, 2022.
Owens, elected in this organization’s very first board of directors election in 1996, served six years as its Chairman. He also served as Vice Chairman representing Northern California, was Chairman of the Legislative and Government Affairs Committee, and was an active member of the Racing Affairs, Wagering, Bylaws Review, and Purse committees.
An owner and breeder of Thoroughbreds for more than 30 years, Owens races predominately in Northern California. A graduate of Stanford, he has practiced law for more than 30 years, including as general counsel for Gallo Winery. His legal acumen has been invaluable to the TOC Board over the years, and he has worked tirelessly to advance and protect the interests of owners at the legislative and regulatory levels and in negotiations with other members of the industry.
Following Owens’ decision not to seek reelection to the board in 2022, TOC membership elected owner Johnny Taboada as one of its three Northern California representatives. The new board takes office on July 1st.
After 18 years with TOC and over 40 years in the horse racing industry, Forney retires from her role as executive director. In addition to her time with the TOC, Mary worked for Santa Anita Park, the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and held various roles during her career in the industry.
During her tenure with TOC, Forney was invested in its success as she oversaw an extraordinary number of initiatives and committees and built long-lasting relationships with industry stakeholders. She is recognized as a pillar of the California horse racing community and admired far beyond the TOC board and staff.
“The board joins me in congratulating and thanking both Jack and Mary for their many years of service to TOC and this industry,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “We know Jack is looking forward to spending more time with his racing and breeding operation, and we hope to see Mary at the races with her family, including her new grandson. California racing is forever grateful to them.”
Jordyn Egan will assume the executive director role effective July 20. Born and raised in Fallbrook, Ca., Egan graduated from the Race Track Industry Program and completed the Godolphin Flying Start management training program. Since 2013 she has served as Director of Special Projects for the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. “It is an honor to be chosen for this position,” said Egan. “I was an intern for TOC in 2006 and had the privilege of working for Mary at that time. I look forward to joining TOC and working closely with the team to effectively represent and grow the pool of Thoroughbred owners in the state of California.”
