New executives named at NTRA

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (Sports Network) - The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has announced that former Churchill Downs president Alex Waldrop has been appointed president and CEO of the organization. In addition, Robert Elliston, president of Turfway Park, has been installed as executive chairman of the NTRA.

The appointments of Waldrop and Ellison came during a special board meeting on Wednesday morning. Waldrop succeeds interim CEO Greg Avioli, who will continue as the Breeders' Cup Limited CEO.

The 50-year-old Waldrop will take the reins of the NTRA on January 15. He is a partner in the law firm of Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs of Kentucky.

"I am honored that the NTRA Board of Directors has selected me to lead the organization and I am eager to join the management team to build on its many accomplishments," Waldrop said. "With Thoroughbred racing confronting many challenges, the NTRA’s leadership role has never been more important."

Robert Ellison became president and CEO of Turfway Park in Florence, KY in June, 1999. He becomes the first executive chairman of the NTRA, where he has served on the board for the last two years.

"I look forward to supporting Alex and the management team as they implement the organization’s strategic priorities," said Elliston. "The 15-member board is very engaged and very enthusiastic about the NTRA’s future."