Borisenok, Thompson Named to NY Race Track Chaplaincy Board

by NYRA Press Ofiice

Michelle Cuozzo Borisenok, a longtime Thoroughbred owner, entrepreneur and philanthropist in the Capital region, and Najja Thompson, the executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., have been named to the Board of Directors of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy.

The announcement was made by Ramón Dominguez, the president of the NY Chaplaincy.

“Michelle and Najja both have a deep appreciation for the mission of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and they are widely admired throughout the Thoroughbred industry,” Dominguez said. “We are honored to have them as board members and we look forward to working with them.”

Borisenok is well known for her steadfast support of women’s leadership and she operates Brown Road Racing, a boutique Thoroughbred racing organization that provides a unique platform for female enthusiasts. Through the emphasis on the Thoroughbred, education and philanthropy, Brown Road Racing aims to empower women, foster a sense of camaraderie, and give back to the community.

The stable won the 2021 Cicada Stakes with Just Read It. Since 2016, Borisenok has also co-owned the Thoroughbred breeding farm Old Tavern Farm with her husband Walt Borisenok. She also serves on several boards in the Albany area.

Thompson joined NYTB in 2020, after nearly a decade at the New York Racing Association where he held roles in marketing, communications, and human resources. Thompson is the president of the Turf Publicists of America and serves on the boards of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund, the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T) and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of Florida State University, Thompson developed his passion for Thoroughbred racing after being introduced to the sport by his uncle, a small breeder in Florida. Growing up attending racetracks in both Florida and New York, he followed his passion to work in the industry. In his role as executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, he works to enhance the status of New York-breds and promote the economic impact that breeders and racing contribute to New York.

The New York Race Track Chaplaincy (www.rtcany.org) ministers to the needs of the backstretch community at the NYRA racetracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) as well as surrounding farms through a wide variety of programs. They include enrichment programs for children, teen mentoring, women's enrichment, social service, and recreational programs, as well as educational opportunities, and non-denominational religious services.