Billy Koch is the founder and managing partner of Little Red Feather Racing, California’s leading Thoroughbred racing syndicate. Born on November 17, 1969, in Los Angeles, Billy developed a passion for horse racing at an early age, influenced by his grandfather, Howard W. Koch—a film producer and longtime board member at Hollywood Park. It was his grandfather’s bedtime stories about a fictional Native American chief named Little Red Feather that inspired the name of the partnership.
A graduate of Northwestern University in 1991, where he studied radio, television, and film, Billy began his career in the entertainment industry. But his lifelong love for racing eventually pulled him back to the sport, and in 2002, he launched Little Red Feather Racing. The syndicate burst onto the national scene when its horse Singletary—named after NFL Hall of Famer Mike Singletary—captured the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Since then, under Billy’s leadership, Little Red Feather has grown into a powerhouse operation, managing over 100 horses and engaging more than 500 active partners. The group is known for its forward-thinking approach to ownership, including the early adoption of crowdfunding models that have helped open the sport to a broader audience.
In addition to his role at LRF, Billy is a passionate advocate for the industry. He is the President of CARMA (California Retirement Management Account), serves on the Board of Directors of TOBA (Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association), and is a member of the American Graded Stakes Committee. He also co-hosts the podcast “The Owner’s Box,” where he shares insights and stories designed to educate and inspire new racehorse owners.
Billy lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Kathy, their three sons—Cooper, Payton, and Walker—and their two bulldogs, Lyla and Riggins.