The National Steeplechase Association announced that Lou Raffetto will leave his position effective June 30 to “pursue other opportunities within the Thoroughbred racing industry.”
Raffetto joined the NSA in March 2008. His departure will coincide with the conclusion of the spring steeplechase season.
“My goal from the outset was to stimulate growth and increase revenue for the NSA,” Raffetto said in a statement from NSA. “We got some things accomplished in a very short timeframe and laid the groundwork for future growth as the economy recovers. Unfortunately, the depressed economic situation and some stringent state and federal regulations stalled some of our immediate plans regarding pari-mutuel wagering and simulcasting at our premier race meets.”
According to an NSA press release, among Raffetto’s accomplishments during his tenure was implementation of live video streaming of steeplechase race meets on the NSA website.
He also created and developed the United States Steeplechase Championship Day which combined 11 races run at two venues in New Jersey and Virginia last on Oct. 17. The races were broadcast live for five hours on NBC Universal Sports.
“Lou has a dynamic personality and has an infectious enthusiasm that the NSA needed to move forward,” NSA president Guy Torsilieri said in a statement. “He brought instant excitement and attention to our sport and leaves us with a great platform for the future. We wish him the very best and will certainly maintain a close relationship as he moves on to his next racing endeavor.”
Raffetto, 59, was a veteran flat racing executive before assuming his NSA post, having held management positions at Monmouth Park, Suffolk Downs, and the Maryland Jockey Club, where he was president.
“I have enjoyed my time and the relationships I have developed within the steeplechase community and look forward to the next challenge,” he said.