Sammes, 33, has been employed as Head of Strategy at The Jockey Club since September 2021, leading commercial strategic projects as well as planning to drive long-term revenue growth for the business. A graduate of Bristol University, he worked previously in similar roles in golf for the PGA European Tour and the Ryder Cup.

He takes up his position at Epsom Downs, effective immediately, working alongside Crespi ahead of the latter's move to Goodwood Racecourse in mid-June, after the conclusion of The Derby Festival.

James is no stranger to West Sussex having previously spent 10 years at the Goodwood Estate working across the motor sport and music events before becoming General Manager at Goodwood Racecourse. After a spell as Chief Operating Officer at West Wittering Estate PLC, Crespi became the General Manager of Epsom Racecourse as part of The Jockey Club.

Crespi, who is replacing the outgoing Jon Barnett, will take up his position June 19.

The post Sammes Tabbed Epsom GM, Crespi Named Goodwood Racecourse Director appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

James Crespi said, “I'm excited to return to racing and think The Jockey Club is a fantastic, dynamic and forward thinking organisation. Epsom is steeped in legacy and a unique venue; I look forward to delivering first class racing there and helping to ensure the Derby remains the greatest Flat race globally for generations to come.”

Amy Starkey, Managing Director for The Jockey Club's East Region, said, “I'm delighted that James will be joining the team and bringing such a wealth of experience in managing historic multi-use businesses.

“His appointment is part of a new management structure across our London courses which is designed to ensure the exciting opportunities for growth presented by all three venues can be seized upon.

“It is important that each course has a dedicated general manager to lead our fantastic teams to deliver this and we are looking forward to exciting years ahead across Epsom Downs, Kempton Park and Sandown Park.”

The post James Crespi Appointed New General Manager Of Epsom appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Dennison has served as an assistant to Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen for the past 13 years, overseeing strings at Ellis Park and Louisiana Downs. He had also previously been affiliated with the D. Wayne Lukas barn. Despite his experience on the backside of the track, Dennison said he had an eye on racetrack management.

“I have been active in both Kentucky and Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) for many years,” said Dennison. “Understanding the concerns of horsemen is very important and should be vital to racetrack management. Kevin [Preston, owner of Louisiana Downs] is new to racing, but immediately recognized that. I have never been more excited about working in this industry!”

The Thoroughbred meet at Louisiana Downs kicks off on Kentucky Derby Day. The 84-day live racing season will run Saturdays through Tuesdays until Sept. 27.

“Mitch is extremely knowledgeable and shares my commitment to showing respect to each of the horsemen and their workers as well as ensuring the safety and integrity of our racing operation,” said Preston. “I like his energy and look forward to a very successful racing season.”

The post Louisiana Downs Appoints Mitch Dennison to General Manager of Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The increased responsibilities come as Santa Anita has spent the past 18 months successfully implementing industry leading health and safety protocols for horses and riders and keeping the Santa Anita racing community protected during a global pandemic.

The promotion of Newby from his current position as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager comes as Aidan Butler, who has headed the California Operations for The Stronach Group, transitions to his new role as Chief Operating Officer of 1/ST Racing and President of 1/ST Content and will be based out of Florida. Newby has been at Santa Anita for nearly 20 years and has been the Vice President of Marketing since 2013. A hands-on horseman, Newby also is a skilled tournament director and handicapper.

Merz returned to the Santa Anita racing office in early 2020 after a stint as the Racing Secretary at the Maryland Jockey Club. His familiarity with the Santa Anita horsemen and horses dates back several years from when he served as the stakes coordinator at Santa Anita and Del Mar, and the Assistant Racing Secretary at Los Alamitos, prior to joining the Maryland Jockey Club.

“These well-deserved promotions are a reflection of the great bench strength in place at Santa Anita,” said Craig Fravel, CEO of 1/ST Racing, in making the announcement. “Both Nate and Chris helped guide Santa Anita through a very difficult time and, with Aidan now heading up our company's East Coast operations, we are fortunate to maintain the continuity of the team.”

Steve Lym, who has served as Santa Anita's VP-Racing since late 2018, has been appointed Senior VP for Racing Development for 1/ST Racing and will be assisting Butler in his new role.

The post Santa Anita: Nate Newby Named General Manager, Chris Merz Promoted To Racing Secretary appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Lawrence came to Churchill Downs from Yonkers Raceway, where he served as vice president and general manager. He began his tenure at Churchill Downs under new track president Tom Meeker, with the track embarking on a series of major capital-improvement projects that included constructing a turf course, a new 20-horse paddock, and extensive renovation of areas in the grandstand and clubhouse.

Lawrence was also part of the leadership team that oversaw the first Breeders' Cup World Championships to be held at Churchill Downs in 1988.

A true general manager, Lawrence constantly toured the facility to make sure things were running properly, and he understood the varied departments that must work and mesh together for a racetrack to be successful.

Lawrence left Churchill Downs to become executive vice president at the New York Racing Association, a post he held into 1994. He subsequently became executive vice president of the totalizator company Autotote and ultimately president and CEO of Autotote Enterprises before retiring in 2001.

Lawrence lived in Marco Island, Fla., and Landenberg, Pa., in retirement. From his obituary in the Naples Daily News: He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rita Duffy Lawrence, and his sons Gerald (Stefanie Porges) and Brennen (Whitney Lawrence). He was proud to be “PopPop” to five grandchildren: Grace, Anna, Rose, William, and Virginia. Born to David Leo Lawrence and Alice Goldin Lawrence, he graduated Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, and then LaSalle College in Philadelphia.

He served in the United States Air Force and as executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party before beginning his career in the horse racing industry. In retirement, he was active in his church and community, and held the rank of Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the James A. Finnegan Foundation (www.finneganfoundation.org), for which he served as a director for 43 years. Burial will be private.

The post Churchill Downs’ Former General Manager Jerry Lawrence Dies At 81 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post