The National Steeplechase Association has convened the Promotion and Growth Task Force to develop strategies to assure a vibrant and secure future for American Steeplechasing. NSA President Guy J. Torsilieri appointed William J. Price, co-chair of the Queen’s Cup and a horse owner, to head the Task Force, which held its first meeting on July 2.
Taking part in the first session were, in addition to Price and Torsilieri: Sam Slater, president of the National Steeplechase Foundation; Charles Fenwick, race chairman of the Shawan Downs meet and a horse owner; Tod Marks, a well-known steeplechase photographer; and Don Clippinger, the NSA’s director of communications.
“We concluded that this was an appropriate time to convene the Promotion and Growth Task Force,” Torsilieri said. “Our sport continues to grow incrementally, but we face many challenges in common with all of horse racing, such as public awareness of the sport and retention of our ownership base. We want to look to the future now and develop the strategies that will assure American Steeplechasing’s future over the long term.”
Price said he was encouraged by the first meeting. “We had a focused and active discussion, and we began the process of delineating our mission and developing strategies to implement our goals. We will be looking at the long term, but we also will be examining immediate steps to foster growth and a higher visibility for American Steeplechasing.”
The Promotion and Growth Task Force is scheduled to meet again later in July.