The National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Breeders' Cup Limited announced Thursday that Ferguson Taylor, chief financial officer and corporate treasurer of the NTRA and Breeders' Cup Limited will retire effective April 1. Taylor, 61, has been with Breeders' Cup Limited since November 1983, when he was hired as the organization's controller. He has served as CFO for the NTRA since 2001 when the NTRA and Breeders' Cup Limited combined business operations. "I salute Fergie Taylor for his long and meritorious service to the Breeders' Cup and to the industry as a whole," said William Farish, Jr., chairman of the Breeders' Cup Limited Board of Directors. "He leaves Breeders' Cup Limited in outstanding financial condition. His expertise will be sorely missed." "It has been my distinct pleasure to work shoulder to shoulder with Fergie since the day I hired him back in 1983," said NTRA Commissioner and Breeders' Cup President D.G. Van Clief, Jr. "His financial acumen, combined with his dedication, loyalty and integrity, have made him a valuable asset and a major contributor to our organization." "It has been both an honor and privilege to have served the Thoroughbred industry during my career of nearly 23 years here," said Taylor, a Certified Public Accountant. "I have told many during this time that I am one of those fortunate enough to have blended my vocation and avocation together." Prior to joining Breeders' Cup Limited, Taylor worked in the administration of Kentucky Gov. John Y. Brown.
The organization plans to fill Taylor's position on an interim basis and anticipates launching a formal search for a permanent replacement.