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Lawson to Step Down at Woodbine

Jim Lawson will step down from his role as chief executive officer at Woodbine Entertainment this fall, the company announced Tuesday. Lawson has held the position since 2015.

“Being CEO of Woodbine Entertainment has been a great honor and passion for me,” Lawson said. “On a personal level, I have truly enjoyed my time leading the organization and I am so grateful for the incredible people that I have had the honor of working with, but it's now time to spend more time with my family.

“On a professional level, during my time with Woodbine, we have become a multi-dimensional organization, having expanded our scope and reputation as a world leader in dual-breed horse racing, while working meticulously and respectfully to drive new revenues that will continue to support the Ontario horse racing industry for decades to come. I have every confidence that Woodbine Entertainment is on a path to a very strong and sustainable future.”

Hugh Mitchell, Chair of Woodbine Entertainment's Board of Directors, praised Lawson for his stewardship.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to thank Jim for his strong, unwavering and impactful leadership to both Woodbine Entertainment and the Ontario horse racing industry over the last 15 years,” said Mitchell. “Jim's passion for the horse racing industry and admiration for the hardworking people has been a hallmark of his tenure as CEO. Jim has made lasting contributions that will undoubtedly benefit the organization and industry for decades. We also look forward to identifying ways for the Board of Directors and the next CEO to continue benefiting from his experience and passion in the future.

“As for Woodbine's next leader, the Board's Succession Committee is working diligently and is confident that we will be successful in finding the next CEO who will continue to build on our positive momentum.”

It is expected that Lawson will be associated with Woodbine in a senior role that will be defined at a later date.

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Breeders’ Cup Dirt Dozen Series Returns in 2023

The Breeders' Cup Dirt Dozen, an incentive-based participation bonus program for horsemen pointing runners to the dirt races in the Breeders' Cup World Championships, will return this season. Launched in 2022, the series awards bonus credits funded by the Breeders' Cup for first through third-place finishes in each of 12 existing graded stakes races scheduled from May through October at six tracks throughout the United States. Horsemen can use those credits toward entry fees for one of the six Breeders' Cup World Championships dirt races.

In Dirt Dozen races in the $2-million Breeders' Cup race divisions–which includes the GI Longines Distaff, GI Qatar Racing Sprint, GI FanDuel Juvenile and GI NetJets Juvenile Fillies–the bonus tier is allocated at $30,000 for first, $15,000 for second, and $7,500 for third.

In Dirt Dozen races in the $1-million Breeders' Cup race divisions–the GI PNC F/M Sprint and the GI Big Ass Fans Dirt Mile–the bonus tier will award $15,000 for first, $7,500 for second, and $3,750 for third.

The Dirt Dozen program begins May 6 with the GI Derby City Distaff at Churchill Downs. The first three finishers in the race will earn credits toward entry fees for a potential start in the F/M Sprint. The program concludes Oct. 1 with the GI Zenyatta S. at Santa Anita, where the first three finishers in the race will earn credits toward entry fees for a potential start in the Distaff.

“After a successful launch in 2022, we are happy to again present our innovative Dirt Dozen program,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer of Breeders' Cup Limited. “Last year, many horsemen who took advantage of those credits toward entry fees for our dirt races were rewarded at the World Championships, and we look forward to extending the same incentive to connections who are targeting a start at Santa Anita Park in November.”

For a complete list of races in the series, click here.

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Johnson Wins Preakness Art Contest

Justin Johnson has been named the winner of the second annual Preakness Art of Racing contest. Johnson's original illustration titled “The Face of Victory” was selected by a panel of judges from among the 207 submissions, each of which depicted the extraordinary elements of Thoroughbred horse racing and the Preakness S.

The winning artwork was announced at a ceremony in the Brown Center at the Maryland Institute College of Art. In attendance were Senior Advisor of Art & Culture for the City of Baltimore Tonya Miller, MICA dignitaries, Park Heights Renaissance representatives and 1/ST RACING leadership. Participating artists also attended.

As the winner of the second-annual competition, Johnson receives a $4,000 stipend and two tickets to Preakness 148. In addition, his work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 148 merchandise that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be used to support the activities of the Park Heights Renaissance as it pursues affordable housing for families and provides employment opportunities for the people of Park Heights.

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Old Friends to Host Annual Homecoming

Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky., will host its 18th Annual Homecoming event on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The day will include a barbecue buffet lunch provided by Proud Mary, farm tours, live Bluegrass music, and live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, collectible stallion halters, artwork, jewelry, books, and much more. There will also be an art sale in the shed near the office.

Tickets are $40 for the general public and $20 for Old Friends Clubhouse members (children 12 and under are free). For tickets, go to the Old Friends website.

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