Louis A. Cella, whose family founded the Oaklawn Jockey Club in 1904, has been named President of the Hot Springs, Arkansas racetrack and gaming facility as well as Southwestern Enterprises, Inc., the parent company of Oaklawn, it was announced Wednesday. He succeeds his father, Charles J. Cella, who passed away in early December.
“It is truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfather,” Louis Cella said. “Racing has been part of the Cella family DNA for generations and we are committed to keeping Oaklawn one of the premiere racetracks in the country for generations to come.”
John G. Cella has been named President of the family's Southern Real Estate and Financial Company, Inc., also succeeding his father.
Earlier this year, Louis Cella became the third generation of his family to serve on the Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Racing Association (TRA). His grandfather, John G. Cella, served as President of the organization from 1959-1960 and his father, Charles Cella, served as President from 1975-1976. In late August, Louis Cella was elected to The Jockey Club board.
“The appointment of Louis Cella as President of the Oaklawn Jockey Club will be welcomed news throughout the racing industry as it continues the legendary involvement of the Cella family,” said James (Ted) Bassett III, a longtime family friend and fellow member of The Jockey Club board. “For over a century, four generations of this family have dedicated themselves to maintaining the highest and traditional standards of racing, insuring public trust and the well-being of the horse. For most of his life, Louis has been actively involved in every aspect of racing, and with this experience and the Cella family's commitment to excellence, this continues the success of Oaklawn Park for years to come.”
Cella, a 1990 graduate of the University of Arkansas Law School, is also Vice-Chairman and Director of MUNY, America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater. He is past Chairman of the Arkansas Cancer Research Center Foundation, Director of the UAMS Foundation Fund Board and Director of the Myeloma Institute.
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