The board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) unanimously voted to appoint owner of Hill 'n' Dales Farms John Sikura to fill the vacant seat of Nick Alexander, subject to full board ratification at the upcoming Jan. 30 meeting, the owners group said via a Friday press release.
“I have a great love for California racing dating to my youth attending Santa Anita with my father when Charlie Whittingham was our trainer,” said John Sikura. “I currently have horses with Bob Baffert, and I can think of no more important issue than the sustenance of California breeding and racing. We must face the challenges with courage and in collaboration with industry and political agencies that can help our quest. California is of historic importance to our industry and we must prevail.”
To fulfill a TOC Bylaws requirement, Sikura will be required to run in the next election.
“The TOC Board already reflects the full spectrum of California ownership… small owners, large owners, and California owner-breeders,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “By welcoming John, we add something new and critically important: a nationally respected owner-breeder with a broad, long-term perspective on the sport. John understands how California fits within the broader ecosystem of American racing, and his voice will help connect regions, align interests, and strengthen California's role in the sport's future.”
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