Breeders' Cup Appoints Fleming as President and CEO

The Breeders' Cup Limited board of directors voted unanimously Nov. 5 to elect Drew Fleming as president and CEO, effective immediately following the departure of Craig Fravel.

Fravel has taken a position as chief executive of racing operations for The Stronach Group. 

Fleming formerly served as Breeders' Cup's COO.

"Drew's track record at the Breeders' Cup speaks for itself. He has already played an indispensable role in our work to promote and improve the industry, which he knows inside and out," said Breeders' Cup chairman Fred Hertrich III. "Drew is the right person to lead the Breeders' Cup through this important time in our industry and into the next chapter of this great sport."

As COO, Fleming led general day-to-day operations, including host track relations, long-term planning and growth, finance, sponsorships, marketing, and legal. He worked closely with future host site locations to ensure the Breeders' Cup continues to be a first-class international event and to further improve the experience for all patrons. Additionally, Fleming has worked extensively in strategic planning and business negotiations to better position both the Breeders' Cup and the Thoroughbred industry for continued success and longevity.

"I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to lead the Breeders' Cup at a time when our industry is at a critical juncture," Fleming said. "The safety of our athletes and integrity of the sport will continue to be at the forefront of the Breeders' Cup's mission, and I look forward to expanding our efforts in this space through research, innovation, and investment so the tradition and passion behind this sport can continue for future generations.

"Everyone in our industry has an important role in ensuring that horses and jockeys are racing under the safest and most transparent conditions possible. The Breeders' Cup will continue to lead by example and spearhead reforms until we get this right."

Fleming has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Washington and Lee University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky. He resides in Lexington with his wife and son.

"On behalf of the board of directors, we feel lucky to have worked with someone like Craig for the last eight years and look forward to collaborating with him in his new role as CEO of racing operations at The Stronach Group," Hertrich said. "Thanks to Craig's vision and leadership, the Breeders' Cup has never been in a stronger position, which will provide a critical foundation for our work in the months and years ahead."

While at Breeders' Cup, Fravel expanded international participation to its highest level, executed a long-term host site strategy, negotiated an unprecedented 10-year partnership with NBC Sports to televise the World Championships through 2025, and successfully brought the event to Keeneland and Del Mar for the first time.