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Arizona Downs Names Weiss General Manager

Michael Weiss, a longtime racing industry professional with deep ties to Arizona horse racing, has been named the new General Manager at Arizona Downs. Weiss will lead preparations to restore the track and operate the 2021 return of live racing to the Prescott Valley facility. He most recently served as General Manager of Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson and is well-known for pioneering the PRISE educational program for the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program. He is also a former student in the RTIP and currently serves as a career advisor to program graduates.

“I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to efforts to save Arizona horse racing because I truly believe it is worth saving,” Weiss said. “I look forward to rebuilding the team at Arizona Downs and assembling a safe environment for horsemen and a memorable experience for fans.”

Weiss's hiring comes at a pivotal time for horse racing in the state, as the Arizona Senate is now considering a bill to modernize wagering at horse tracks and OTBs. Senate Bill 1794 would bring more than $300 million in capital investment to Arizona horse racing, including a new track at Arizona Downs, while generating more than $100 million in new state tax revenues.

Live racing returns to Arizona Downs June 1, with a 1:30 p.m. post time, and racing will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday through Sept. 15.

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‘I Truly Believe It Is Worth Saving’: Michael Weiss Named General Manager Of Arizona Downs

A longtime racing industry leader, with deep ties to Arizona horse racing, has been named the new General Manager at Arizona Downs.
Michael Weiss will lead preparations to restore the track and operate the 2021 return of live racing to the Prescott Valley facility. He most recently served as General Manager of Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson and is well-known for pioneering the PRISE educational program for the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program. He is also a former student in the RTIP and currently serves as a career advisor to program graduates.

Over the years, Weiss has worked at a wide array of racing venues, including Beulah Park Racetrack, Birmingham Race Course, Thistledown Racetrack, Hialeah Park, Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park and North Dakota Horse Park, where he re-instituted live racing after a long absence. He has held virtually every position at the racetrack, from starter to racing secretary and executive vice president in thoroughbred and quarter horse environments. Off the track, he pioneered, operated, and grew on-line wagering platforms, including AmericaTab and Darkhorsebet.com, both later acquired by TwinSpires and Xpressbet.

“Mike is the perfect fit to lead the revival of racing at Arizona Downs,” said Leroy Gessman, President of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. “He has a genuine passion for a successful future of all of Arizona Racing and we are very fortunate to have him.”

His hiring comes at a pivotal time for horse racing in the state, as the Arizona Senate is now considering a bill to modernize wagering at horse tracks and OTBs. Senate Bill 1794 would bring more than $300 million in capital investment to Arizona horse racing, including a new track at Arizona Downs, while generating more than $100 million in new state tax revenues.

Live racing returns to Arizona Downs on June 1, with a 1:30pm post time and racing will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday through September 15.

The post ‘I Truly Believe It Is Worth Saving’: Michael Weiss Named General Manager Of Arizona Downs appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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University Of Arizona Seeks New Chair For Race Track Industry Program

The University of Arizona School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is seeking an individual to lead the school's Race Track Industry Program.

Wendy Davis, current director, is not returning to lead a program whose graduates include Thoroughbred trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher, New York Racing Association senior vice president Martin Panza and countless others in staff and managements positions throughout the racing and gaming industries.

Specifically, the university is seeking to fill the position for an assistant or associate professor of practice and to chair the Race Track Industry Emphasis program, one of four emphases in the Animal Science Bachelor's degree.

A job description estimates that 50% of the position's time will be spent on instruction, with 40% on administration (budgeting, organizing the annual Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming, maintaining revenues that fund the program), and 10% on service (local and national committees, and professional societies).

A master's degree is included among the minimum requirements, in addition to having demonstrated success in one area of the racing industry for at least 10 years.

Internships in coordination with Rillito racetrack in Tucson, Ariz., will continue, according to Michael Weiss, the track's general manager who created the Paribet Racetrack Industry Student Experience that fills racetrack jobs with students from the Race Track Industry Program.

Click here for more information.

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