The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced today that Barkley Porter has been named vice president, sales and business development of the NTRA. Porter will be responsible for building strategic business relationships, sponsorships, and business development opportunities across the NTRA’s various platforms. He succeeds Fritz Widaman, who recently left the organization to take a job with Daily Racing Form.
“Barkley is a proven and passionate leader with a rich background in our industry,” said NTRA president and CEO Alex Waldrop. “He is as comfortable walking from stall to stall as he is traveling from boardroom to boardroom, and the countless relationships he has created and cultivated will serve him well in his vital new role with us.”
Porter comes to the NTRA from Stevenson & Associates, where he was a consultant to the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. Prior to that, Porter worked as the simulcast director at Hollywood Park and as the simulcast coordinator for the 1997 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Hollywood Park. Porter also spent time as the editor of Arizona Thoroughbred Magazine.
“The NTRA’s initiative to target business development as a key component of its proactive strategy signals to me the organization’s commitment to revitalizing Thoroughbred racing on a national level,” said Porter. “I am proud and humbled to be assigned this challenge.”
