John F. Wayne (In Memorium)
For almost 50 years, John F. Wayne worked within the racehorse industry, first as a part-time employee for the New York Racing Association, then for 15 years as an investigator for the Thoroughbred Protective Bureau, followed by almost 10 years as the Director of Operations at the Atlantic City Racecourse in Mayo Landing, New Jersey. In 1999 John was appointed by the State of Delaware’s Governor Tom Carper as the Director of the Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Commissions for the State of Delaware. John held this latter position until his sudden death on February 26, 2020 while he was away on business with the Organization of Racing Investigators International in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
During John’s tenure within the racehorse industry, he was generally considered to be the “dean of racing regulators. He serviced on the Board of the Association of Racing Commissioners International which honored him in 2003 with the Len Foote Award which is awarded each year to an executive director in recognition of exemplary service and contribution to racing integrity. The award is considered to be the highest distinction for racing officials in North America. In addition to the above, John served as a former chairman and was a driving force within the Organization of Racing Investigators.
John F. Wayne graduated in 1976 from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York with a degree in business administration. He was active in the College’s Alumni Association and served as a new Board of Director for the College. In addition to John’s service to Dowling College, he supported many causes over the years; including the Caregiver Coalition Fund of America (CareCFA). Because of his service to CareCFA, the Board of Directors unanimously voted John Wayne as Director, in Memoria.