Race Chair Wrap Up
NSA Winter Meetings Deemed a Huge Success
The annual NSA Race Chairmen’s and Board of Directors’ meetings were held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Dewberry Hotel in Charleston, SC. Aiken Steeplechase Chairman Frank Mullins hosted the Race Chairmen’s six-hour conference, which was themed “Sharing Best Practices.” Nineteen of the 28 scheduled race meets for 2026 were in attendance, with detailed presentations made by Aiken, Carolina/Colonial Cup, Blue Ridge, Foxfield, Virginia Gold Cup/International Gold Cup, Iroquois, Willowdale/Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, Virginia Fall, Far Hills, and Montpelier. The valuable exchange of ideas focused on many points of emphasis, including marketing strategies, social media and sponsorship, racecourse maintenance, community involvement, family focused initiatives, raising purses to support horsemen, and much more. Mullins was particularly pleased with the engagement by his fellow race meet chairmen. “There was a lot of substance to the meeting and a very positive dialogue that was shared by all,” he said.
Dr. Reynolds Cowles, the NSA’s Medical Equine Director, also delivered a very positive report, which revealed that the NSA had its’ safest year of racing in the past two decades. He applauded the race meets for their marked improvements in turf management, the elimination or change to many problematic fences, the addition of running rails where needed and other course alterations. He also noted that the horsemen and our veterinarian teams played a vital role adhering to enhanced safety practices.
The morning and afternoon Race Chairmen’s session was followed by the first NSA Board meeting of the year. Headed by NSA president Dr. Al Griffin, once again, the messaging was very positive, with a reflection of two years of tremendous growth by the Association. Purses reached an all-time high of $7.6 million, most race meets were thriving, the major track program was stronger than ever, and of particular note, the Fair Hill, Maryland jump race program will rejoin the NSA circuit in May of 2026.
Dr. Griffin welcomed two new NSA Board members: Peter Sacopulos and Michael Tudor, and announced several changes to the committee structure of the Association. “I was very pleased with the large turnout at the Race Chairmen’s meeting, and the tone of the Board meeting was equally as upbeat,” he said. “We have made great strides as an Association since the pandemic, and the positive energy is contagious. I look forward to 2026 with great enthusiasm.”