On Monday, February 15, Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association President David McCaffrey announced that he is leaving his post to become the executive director of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

McCaffrey’s resignation letter was posted on the IHHA website, and in it he stated that his decision did not come easily. His resignation is effective Tuesday, February 16.

“I have loved every minute of representing Illinois harness horsemen,” McCaffrey wrote, “so, it is with mixed emotions that I want to announce that I have been offered and have accepted the position of executive director of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.”

In his letter, McCaffrey stated that he will immediately serve as the ITHA’s interim director, and that he will officially start in a full-time capacity on March 28. He also stated that he has left his position on the IHHA board.

“This is an opportunity for me to stay in Illinois and still fight for horsemen, continuing the great relationships that I have forged over the years,” McCaffrey wrote. “The partnership between the ITHA and the IHHA is groundbreaking in the horse industry and rock solid. Without knowing that, I would not leave.”