McCrocklin to Oversee Compliance for Little Red Feather

Little Red Feather Racing, California's largest horse racing syndicate, announced Sept. 15 the hiring of Tom McCrocklin as an independent compliance consultant to oversee all aspects of its racing and sales divisions. McCrocklin will ensure that Little Red Feather's trainers, veterinarians, and staff complies with regulatory rules as well as with Little Red Feather's internal policies regarding training and medication. 

"Many industries have compliance managers, why not horse ownership?" said Gary Fenton, managing partner at Little Red Feather Racing. "We want our partners to have the utmost confidence and trust that our equine athletes receive world-class care." 

"It's time we take a long hard look at everything we provide to our equine athletes," said Billy Koch, founder and managing partner of Little Red Feather. "Current training practices need to evolve with changing times."

McCrocklin will serve as compliance consultant for the LRF team effective immediately, reporting directly to Fenton and Koch. 

Born in Baton Rouge, La., McCrocklin has an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and a bachelor of science in animal science, specializing in equine from Louisiana Tech. McCrocklin trained at east coast race tracks until 1992 when he moved to Ocala, Fla., to commence a breaking, training, and sales operation, representing some of the biggest names in the industry.

McCrocklin will review veterinarian and training bills as well as regularly visit each Little Red Feather barn. He will work alongside Little Red Feather's trainers and vets to create a universal set of protocols.

"Since I am a trainer and understand the culture and mentality, I look forward to working with my colleagues to create a methodology that is positive for everyone," said McCrocklin. "Most trainers want to learn and try less medications and supplements; they just need the educational and support tools to do so."

"Too often we hear discussion about a problem in our industry, yet rarely is there a solution posed," said Jim Gagliano, president of The Jockey Club. "Today is not that day. We applaud Little Red Feather for taking this innovative step and showing that owners can and will take measures to ensure best practices are being met within our industry."

Formed in 2002, Little Red Feather and its sister company Solana Beach Sales are California's largest syndicate, managing nearly 100 horses and over 300 active partners. Little Red Feather recently concluded a record-breaking summer in 2020, with 11 wins at Del Mar from its managed partnerships, including wins in the Del Mar Handicap Presented by the Japan Racing Association (G2T) with Red King and the John C. Mabee Stakes (G2T) with Raymundos Secret. Little Red Feather campaigned Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) winner Singletary and grade 1 winners Egg Drop, Secret Spice, Fault, Mirth, and Midnight Storm , who now stands at Taylor Made Stallions. Solana Beach Sales burst onto the sales scene in 2016 and graduates include grade 1 winners Instilled Regard and Bast, along with grade 1-placed Anneau d'Or, who finished second in the 2019 TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1).