Six new members have been elected to The Jockey Club, it was announced Wednesday: Gayle Benson, Dr. Jeffrey Berk, Drew Fleming, Kevin Lavin, Anthony Manganaro and Adam Wachtel.
Gayle Benson established GMB Racing Stables in 2014 with her husband, Tom Benson. Horses campaigned by GMB Racing include Grade I winner Tom's d'Etat (Smart Strike) and graded stakes winners Tom's Ready (More Than Ready), Mo Tom (Uncle Mo) and Lone Sailor (Majestic Warrior). She owns Benson Farm in Paris, KY, which is active in Thoroughbred breeding and sales, having more than 20 broodmares on the farm. Benson is the only female to solely own an NFL and NBA franchise, providing leadership for the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and New Orleans Pelicans (NBA). Through the Tom and Gayle Benson Foundation, her sports organizations, and other business enterprises, Benson annually puts tens of millions of dollars back into the community in financial support, in-kind donation, charitable appearances, and donations of goods and services. Benson also oversees Benson Capital Partners, a multi-million-dollar investment arm deploying millions to start-up businesses in the state of Louisiana and the Gulf South.
Dr. Jeffrey Berk is a past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and current chair of their Racing Committee. He began his career as an attending veterinarian at Thistledown Racetrack near Cleveland, OH before starting his own practice in Ocala, FL. He ran the practice for 19 years before merging with and becoming a partner in Ocala Equine Hospital in 2000. In 2010, he joined Equine Medical Associates PSC in Lexington, KY, where, in addition to his sales work, he does pro bono work for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.
Drew Fleming is the president and chief executive officer of Breeders' Cup Limited. He spearheads the general day-to-day operations of the company, including host track relations, long-term planning and business growth, finance, sponsorships, marketing and legal. Prior to joining the Breeders' Cup, Fleming practiced corporate law, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. Fleming serves on the board and executive council of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the board of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and chairs its Governance Committee and the board of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition.
Kevin Lavin is a partner and the director of Equine Insurance at Sterling Thompson Company. He also serves as vice chairman of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. He was a past director of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Kentucky Derby Museum, Backside Learning Center at Churchill Downs, Thoroughbred Club of America, Longfield Farm and Lavin Bloodstock Services.
Anthony Manganaro founded Siena Farm, located in Paris, KY, with partners Nacho Patino and David Pope. He is also the founder of Siena Corporation, a real estate development company based in the Baltimore/Washington corridor; and Boston Medical, an international medical supply company based in Columbia, MD. Horses raced by Siena Farm alone or in partnership include Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming (Bodemeister); Travers winner Catholic Boy (More Than Ready); additional Grade I winners Angela Renee (Bernardini), Bal a Bali (Brz) (Put It Back) and Dayoutoftheoffice (Into Mischief); Grade II winners Isabella Sings (Eskendereya) and Royal Ship (Brz) (Midshipman); and Grade III winner First Captain (Curlin).
Adam Wachtel is a longtime owner and breeder, racing under Wachtel Stables. Top horses he has raced in partnership include Breeders' Cup winners Tourist (Tiznow) and Vequist (Nyquist) and Grade I winners Bolo (Temple City), Channel Maker (English Channel), Exaggerator (Curlin), Ron the Greek (Full Mandate), Sharla Rae (Afleet Alex) and Spiced Perfection (Smiling Tiger). Outside of racing, he is involved in private equity investments.
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