The Board of Directors of Thoroughbred Owners of California has unanimously appointed Gary Barber to the position vacated by the recent resignation of Bill Strauss.
Barber was named National Owner of the Year by the Purebred Breeders and Owners Association for the second year in a row (2019-20) and his signature hot pink silks are world-renowned , especially in his home state of California. He has won more than 1,000 races, alone and in partnership, and achieved top-level success in the Breeders’ Cup and in the Preakness Stakes (G1).
Barber said: “My passion for Thoroughbred racing is unwavering. I look forward to joining the TOC board and hope to make a meaningful contribution to the health and wellbeing of the TOC. our sport, while helping to attract a new generation of fans.”
Barber, originally from South Africa, is a founding partner of Spyglass Entertainment, whose commercial successes have generated more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office, including films like “Seabiscuit” “, “The Sixth Sense” and “Bruce Almighty”. He is currently the chairman and chief executive officer of Spyglass Media Group.
Barber has campaigned for many 1st grade winners and is also an interested breeder of several stallions.
Strauss, a key member of the TOC board since 2013, will continue his relationship with the California circuit, according to the TOC. Barbers will be required to run in the 2023 board elections when Strauss’ term expires.
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
