The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA) has hired lifelong horseman Alex Foley as its new executive director, the organization announced Tuesday. The 32-year-old Foley takes over for Marty Maline, who held the position for almost 47 years until his retirement at the end of 2022.
Foley is the younger son of veteran trainer Greg Foley and the grandson of the late owner-trainer-breeder Dravo Foley. He graduated from Bellarmine University with a degree in business management and from the University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law with his Juris Doctor.
“He was interviewed by our search committee, and they were impressed by him and his credentials,” said Kentucky HBPA President Rick Hiles. “He's a young man, he's got a history in racing from his dad and grandpa. He knows everybody on the backside. He has a law degree. We thought he could get in that position and have some longevity.”
Foley has served as an assistant to his father, and his brother Travis is also an assistant trainer to their father. Their aunt Vickie Foley is also a trainer.
“The horse-racing industry and my legal background, I've always wanted to do both but didn't have the avenue,” Foley said. “This job provides that. The connections I have on the backside–whether it's horse trainers, gallop boys, assistants–I've known so many people that it was a perfect fit and something I'm passionate about.”
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