Global Symposium on Racing Speaker: David Richardson
Combining boundless energy with decades of professional experience in Thoroughbred racing, David Richardson has served as Executive Director of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) since 2011.
With a foundation in advertising, marketing, and creative design, Richardson spent 16 years as a partner at Hayden Advertising in Upperco, Maryland, where he guided campaigns for a wide range of industry clients including Northview Stallion Station, Turfway Park, the Maryland Million, and the NTRA. His creativity and strategic insight helped shape some of the sport’s most recognizable brands and promotions.
Richardson also served as Marketing Director for the highly successful MATCH Thoroughbred Championship Series, where his innovative campaigns earned widespread industry recognition. His forward-thinking approach to problem solving is complemented by a strong background in public policy—having served multiple terms as an elected municipal councilman in Maryland and as Secretary/Treasurer of the Maryland Municipal League. Under Richardson’s leadership, the MTHA has undergone a complete modernization, elevating its reputation as one of the most progressive and effective horsemen’s organizations in the nation. Among his major accomplishments are the creation of the industry-renowned Horsemen’s Health System; the launch of the Beyond The Wire aftercare program; the establishment of one of Maryland’s most influential political action committees; extensive backstretch community improvements; and the development of one of the strongest communications programs in horse racing.
Outside of racing, Richardson and his wife, Nicole—who serves as Director of Finance for the Maryland Horse Breeders Association—own and operate Greenmount Bowl, a thriving community duckpin and tenpin bowling center in Hampstead, Maryland. Adjacent to the bowling center, Richardson also founded Greenmount OTB, a licensed wagering facility authorized by the Maryland General Assembly to conduct both retail and online sports betting in addition to traditional horse wagering.