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FLORIDA NEWS Long-time OBS general manager honored
Tom Ventura Named 2014 University of Arizona John K. Goodman Award Winner
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om Ventura, the president and general manager of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company located in Ocala, Fla., has been honored with the 2014 John K. Goodman Alumni Award by the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program. This honor is bestowed upon one of the RTIP's many distinguished alumni who have made an outstanding contribution to the racing industry in the spirit of their alma matre. Named in honor of the Programs founding father, John K. “Jack” Goodman of Tucson, Ariz., the award has previously honored trainers Bob Baffert in 1997 and Todd Pletcher in 2002 as well as Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Chief Executive Office and Vice President Lonny Powell (‘99), NYRA Vice President of Racing Martin Panza (‘13) and the late track announcer, Luke Kruytbosch (‘01). “I would like to thank the RTIP for giving me the opportunity to work in an industry that was difficult to break into for someone who did not have family or some other avenue to get Tom Ventura into the game,” Ventura said. “The RTIP program has given me wonderful opportunities and experience that have been invaluable throughout my career.” Ventura, a native of Haywood, N.J., graduated from the University of Arizona in 1980 with a degree in Animal Science and the Race Track Industry Program. During his time in undergraduate school, he served an internship with the Jockey Club and the New York Racing Association in New York. After graduating, Ventura returned to NYRA to work in the racing department before he went to work for the Steinbrenner family at their offices in Tampa, Fla., assisting with their racing and breeding operation. After working for the Steinbrenner family for a few years, Ventura returned to Tucson, to work on his Masters in Business Administration degree from the University and was an assistant to then RTIP Director Powell. Ventura later returned to Florida to work for the Steinbrenner
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family, this time at their Kinsman Farm in Ocala. Ventura continued to work there until 1994 when he joined OBS where he continues to work in his current capacity. The Jack K. Goodman Award is given at the Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming each December in Tucson. The Race Track Industry Program has gained worldwide recognition for its annual Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming which the program has conducted since 1974. The Symposium attracts attendees representing thoroughbred, standardbred, quarter horse, greyhound and racino interests from across the United States and internationally. Topics presented during the
I would like to thank the RTIP for giving “ me the opportunity work in an industry that was difficult to break into for someone who did not have family or some other avenue to get into the game. The RTIP program has given me wonderful opportunities and experience that have been invaluable throughout my career.
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—OBS president & general manager, Tom Ventura conference include cutting-edge issues and trends of importance to the pari-mutuel industry including simulcasting, account wagering, marketing, track surfaces, casino gaming, human and health issues, animal and health issues, track operations, new technologies and regulation. The Race Track Industry Program is the only program of its kind, offering two paths based on student interest. The Business Path prepares students for employment in the areas of race track management, regulation and pari-mutuel racing organizations. The Equine Management Path prepares students for employment in areas dealing with racing and breeding animals. The mission of the RTIP is to offer students a broad-based university education with emphasis on the pari-mutuel racing industry and provide support for the industry through a variety of outreach programs.■