The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Riders Association, representing the interests of horsemen in Racing Parx, announced on December 16 that Jeffrey A. Matty Jr. will serve as the organization’s new chief executive officer, effective January 1.
Matty brings a variety of experiences to the position, including working as a track manager for Besecker Racing Stable, an assistant equity coordinator at Monmouth Parkand a racing official with Racing Parx. He will fill the vacancy left by Michael Ballezzi, who announced his retirement earlier this month after 25 years at the helm.
“We are delighted that Jeffrey Matty is joining PTHA as our new chief executive officer,” said Salvatore DeBunda, PTHA’s board chair. “He brings to the position a clear commitment to backing riders and a tremendous amount of passion and energy for our sport.”
“I am a huge fan of motorsport, born and raised in Bensalem, Pa., I love the sport in Philadelphia Park,” says Matty. “I consider myself a Parx rider, so in many ways this is like coming home. I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to work and advocate for the owners and trainers that make up the PTHA. I don’t look at this position as a job, but as a responsibility — doing what’s best for the riders day in and day out.”
Matty has been track manager for Besecker Racing Stable in King of Prussia, Pa., since 2014. In that capacity, he has managed more than 100 horses at any one time, which is in the top category. The barn’s investment, monitoring and management of results includes over 750 wins and $16.5 million in earnings. He also advises trainers on campaign entries, nominations and prospects, and assists with the purchase of broodstock, fingerlings, and 2-year-olds during training. In December 2019, he organized and performed the entire Besecker decentralization at Fasig-Tipton.
His first job in racing was as a racing official at Parx, where he worked for two summers under Sal Sinatra and under the mentorship of Albert Ott. Matty then went on to work for two summers as assistant equity coordinator at Monmouth Park. Matty graduated from Saint Joseph’s University, where he received two Bachelor of Science degrees in sports marketing and management,
