Our Voices: Litt on Resignation from KTA Board

It's no secret, the horse industry is struggling—but like any good optimist, I'm always open to new ideas. I recently read Simon Sinek's book "Start With Why, How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action." The oversimplified concept of the book is how understanding your 'why' can contribute to your success.

This is my 'why' I chose a career in horse racing.

I love horses. From the unbelievable softness of a newborn foal to the rippling musculature of a stallion, they are majestic.    

As an agent, breeder, and owner, I enjoy being a custodian of the breed. A breed of horse that's over 300 years old, a breed that is noble, intelligent, honest, and highly competitive. I often remind myself that it's a privilege, not a right, to be a part of the Thoroughbred horse racing industry. I've been fortunate over the last 20 years to work with amazingly talented horses, including some champions. I love the notion that 50 years from now some of the horses I've been involved with may continue to have an impact on the breed. 

I love competition. In 1999 I visited Keeneland for the first time for the September yearling sale with my father, Howard Litt. My father loved the sport. He loved the Damon Runyon-style characters that exist in every racetrack ecosystem; he loved the mental gymnastics required in handicapping and athleticism of the horses. He sparked my competitive spirit when he made the statement as we were watching horses go through the ring, 'Wouldn't it be cool if out of all of these horses, you could pick a good one?'

Simply put, horse racing is hard. The lows of the game can deflate the most optimistic of individuals. We've all experienced hot nails, quarter cracks, spiked temps, colics, skin disease, and failed fence jumpers, yet we are all bound by our persistence, determination, and staying power. There is nothing more gratifying and fulfilling than winning a race and sharing that sense of accomplishment with a group of owners, friends, and colleagues. Watching the replay on a continuous loop and recapping every nuance of the race with anyone that will listen isn't bad, either.  

I hope you have an understanding of my 'why.' When I joined the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association three years ago I was open-minded and excited about making a difference. Unfortunately, the gap between my 'why' and that of the KTA is too large to bridge, and therefore I am stepping down as a director and making my resignation letter public. It's never too late to learn from our mistakes, hold people accountable for their actions or lack thereof, and to embrace bold ideas. 

Dear President & the KTA Board of Directors,

It is with disappointment and frustration that I write this note. During the three years I have been on the board, I have been repeatedly reassured that management's time was focused on our state lobbying efforts and that Chauncey Morris was forging strong relationships in the legislature. 

Unfortunately, the recent events regarding Historical Horse Racing show how unprepared our organization has been to address an issue that has been working through the courts for over seven years. There is no disputing how important the revenue from HHR has become to the health of our industry. It is the KTA's role that all members in the assembly understand and appreciate the importance of our industry to both Kentucky's economy and image. The fact that there has never been a successfully organized KTA effort to educate legislators or develop a plan to support the election of legislators that will have a favorable perception of our industry is shocking. Chauncey and his team's lack of action and foresight in this area is truly a dereliction of responsibility and in my opinion, should lead to his immediate dismissal. 

Therefore, please consider this note as my resignation from the board. I can no longer in good faith be associated with an organization that has been caught so unprepared to take a stand to protect the Kentucky thoroughbred and all the jobs associated with this industry.

Sincerely,

Jason Litt

Response from KTA President

The KTA is run by a volunteer board of industry professionals. To become a director of the KTA you have to be chosen by your peers and voted in by the likes of those same peers. Obviously, Jason Litt did just that, and we are all thankful for his time served on the KTA board of directors. Jason's 'why' has never been in question. He is a tremendous judge of horses and has made a career of helping his clients reach the pinnacles of racing. We wish him nothing but the best and continued success for him and his team. In fact, that is our 'why' at the KTA. Our board of directors works tirelessly to ensure that there is an industry for us all to participate in. Our actions are based on a collective consensus of the board as a whole, and not on the thoughts of any one individual board member. We will continue to work with the coalition that is fighting to keep HHR in Kentucky.

Braxton Lynch,

President, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association