Alan F. Balch has been named executive director of the California Thoroughbred Trainers by the board of directors March 26. Balch will replace Ed Halpern. The board also appointed Carlo Fisco as general counsel.
“We feel that Alan and Carlo form an impressive team of professionals who can articulate and promote the interests not only of the CTT but the entire California racing industry,” said CTT president John Sadler.
A longtime leader in equestrian sports, Balch has served as president of the USA Equestrian Trust, executive secretary of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and president and chief executive officer of the National Horse Show Association of America. His background includes vast experience with California Thoroughbred racing, having served as senior vice president-marketing for the Los Angeles Turf Club (Santa Anita), where he led the development of the first professional marketing organization in American Thoroughbred racing.
Fisco has a long history in horse racing. For over 15 years he was involved in California harness racing, where as an owner, trainer, and driver, he managed a prominent California public stable. He graduated from law school while simultaneously operating a public racing stable. His legal practice, specializing in criminal law and civil litigation, has included the defense of many licensees in administrative actions before the California Horse Racing Board.
The new appointees assume their duties in April.