NEWS
Josh Cooper
Posted: Thursday, June 24, 2010 2:32 PM
JOSH COOPER
West Point Thoroughbreds
Introduced to racing at a young age by his parents, Josh Cooper considers himself one of the fortunate members of his generation to be able to combine his professional background with his personal passion for a career in the Thoroughbred industry.
Cooper grew up around both Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs, New York, and like so many others from the Spa city, he immediately took a liking to racing. Early in his professional career, he was a certified public accountant with Deloitte & Touche LLP in New York City, where he worked with such prominent Wall Street firms as Bear Stearns and Merrill Lynch.
He eventually followed the passions instilled in him as a child growing up on a Standardbred farm and from attending both harness and Thoroughbred races when offered the chief financial officer position with West Point Thoroughbreds in 2004. Cooper jumped at the chance and has not looked back. He was promoted to chief operating officer last year and sees unlimited potential in the industry.
“The industry is going through change, which is often misinterpreted as a bad thing,” Cooper said. “We must accept that the world is very different than it was 20 years ago and racing will need to move with the times to survive. The changes that occur in the next ten years will create a platform for our future.
“[It needs to be] one that embraces technology, is fan friendly, caters to a younger audience, and provides more access to the stars—the horses, trainers, and jockeys. There are good people trying to effect this change every day. Mistakes will be made—no one gets it right on the first try. Be a supporter. Don’t knock and try to find fault with everything. Focus on what is going right and tell everyone you know.”
Date of birth: July 5, 1974
Birthplace: Manhasset, New York
Residence: Saratoga Springs, New York
Title: Chief operating officer
Company: West Point Thoroughbreds Inc.
Education: Bachelor of Science in accounting, Binghamton University; certified public accountant
Family: Married
Career: Worked in public accounting from 1996 to 2003 with Deloitte & Touche LLP; vice president of First Albany Capital from ’03 to ’04; started with West Point Thoroughbreds as chief financial officer in 2004
Favorite horse: Cigar
What book are you currently reading: With Malice Toward None: A Life of Abraham Lincoln, by Stephen B. Oates
Biggest professional achievement: “Finding a way to apply my background (accounting) to my passion (horses).”
Biggest personal achievement: “Shooting an 82 at the yellow course at Bethpage State Park.”
Outside interests: Golf, investing
Personal motto: “Do the right thing, even when it means standing alone.”
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READER COMMENTS
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Posted by: Well Bred, San Diego, CA on January 02, 2012 at 06:26 PM
Is Josh nolonger working for Westpoint TB? I see he and Buzz Chase are nolonger listed on Westpoint's website.
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Posted by: Doug, Chicago, IL on June 30, 2010 at 01:38 AM
You won't find a guy with more passion and integrity. Good pick!
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Posted by: Clif, Orlando, FL on June 29, 2010 at 06:08 PM
Josh Cooper is an excellent choice to include in your 40 under 40 selections. He is class, competance and fun in a single package... Best of the best!!
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