Trish Bowman named The Jockey Club steward for NYRA tracks

Trish Bowman became The Jockey Club steward for New York Racing Association tracks on July 1, taking over a seat that helps decide the rulings bettors and horsemen feel most sharply, from official placings to inquiries, objections and disqualifications.

NYRA’s stewarding setup is built around three officials, one appointed by NYRA, one by the New York State Gaming Commission and one by The Jockey Club. Those stewards issue explanations after decisions involving the official order of finish, inquiries, objections and disqualifications.

Saratoga’s 46-day summer meet opens Friday, July 3, and runs through Labor Day on Monday, September 7, with more than 70 stakes worth over $23 million on the schedule. NYRA also staged the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course from June 3-7.

Everett R. Dobson, chair of The Jockey Club, announced the appointment. Bowman replaces Cody Watkins, who had served as The Jockey Club NYRA steward since early 2025 as part of an international exchange program. Watkins returned to Europe in early June after his visa could not be extended, and Bowman will now work alongside NYRA steward Victor Escobar and New York State Gaming Commission steward Braulio Baeza Jr.

Bowman brings a résumé built across several jurisdictions. She recently served as associate state steward at the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and has worked as a racing official at Aqueduct Racetrack and the Maryland Jockey Club, along with a stint as safety steward at Oaklawn Park. She has also served on the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit’s Internal Adjudication Panel since 2023.

Her qualifications include a Level 1 accreditation from the Racing Officials Accreditation Program in 2020, a master’s certificate in Thoroughbred Management from Godolphin Flying Start and a bachelor’s degree in media communications from Holy Family University. Bowman is 34 and began her industry work on the backside of Parx as a teenager.

The Jockey Club’s board of stewards approved the appointment. Founded in 1894, the organization serves as the Thoroughbred breed registry in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.