As the National Steeplechase Association prepares to begin its 2010 racing season March 20 with the traditional kickoff in Aiken, S.C., its chief executive officer Lou Raffetto said Wednesday night that he will be leaving the organization June 30 or sooner. Raffetto, who served as the Maryland Jockey Club's racing secretary from 1978 through 1984 and then as its chief operating officer and president from 2001 to 2007, said while he does not have a job lined up at the moment, he is hoping to find a new opportunity in the thoroughbred industry. On the 2010 schedule, My Lady's Manor will run in Monkton on April 10, the Grand National in Butler on April 17, the Maryland Hunt Cup in Glyndon on April 24; the Maryland and national steeplechase seasons will end with the annual event at Fair Hill on May 29.

- Sandra McKee