The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Working Authority as we speak introduced that horseracing business chief Invoice Knauf will head a brand new non-profit entity essential to the way forward for Thoroughbred racing and wagering operations in Maryland.
Following a nationwide search, Knauf has been chosen to function the inaugural president and common supervisor of The Maryland Jockey Membership Inc., a brand new 501(c)(4) group that may handle and function Thoroughbred horseracing in Maryland.
An business skilled for greater than 1 / 4 century with expertise in main occasions such because the Breeders’ Cup, Knauf at present serves as Vice President of Enterprise Growth at Monmouth Park Racetrack in New Jersey, recognized for its revolutionary programming and services.
“We’ve discovered the right individual to guide Maryland’s groundbreaking efforts to reimagine and renew the racing expertise,” stated MTROA Chairman Greg Cross. “Invoice not solely has working expertise, however the data to embrace and deploy cutting-edge know-how to extend wagering and profitability.”
The MTROA will proceed its function overseeing the restructuring of the Maryland thoroughbred business and its accountability for the redevelopment of Pimlico and creation of a brand new finest at school coaching facility.
Knauf, who will function a guide to MTROA till starting his new place on Jan. 1, 2025, can even play a key function within the redevelopment of the Pimlico racecourse, which is getting underway, and assist the operating of the Preakness Stakes.
“Maryland racing has a storied historical past, and the eagerness of everybody from horsemen to followers runs deep. I stay up for serving to drive the evolution of Pimlico Racecourse and the Preakness,” Knauf stated. “I would prefer to thank Chairman Greg Cross, Government Director Marc Broady, Appearing CEO Corey Johnsen and the MTROA Board for this thrilling and once-in-a-lifetime alternative. I additionally thank Dennis Drazin, Chairman of Monmouth Park, and the nice management staff I labored with for the final 26 years. Monmouth will all the time stay particular to me.”
In 2007, Knauf was the contact with the Breeders’ Cup for the 2007 Championship Day at Monmouth Park. Most not too long ago, he was instantly concerned within the presentation of the Haskell Stakes, one of many nation’s high three-year-old races which drew greater than 38,000 followers this yr.
A local of Schenectady, NY and a graduate of Tufts College and the College of Arizona Race Monitor Trade Program, Knauf started working at Monmouth in 1998, and has held a wide range of positions with growing accountability, and now oversees all operational areas in addition to the sports activities e-book for a facility that may be a premier racetrack and leisure vacation spot within the Northeast.
Knauf will turn into a key management determine overseeing newly revised racing operations in Maryland — a part of an historic $400 million funding in services accredited by the Maryland Normal Meeting and Gov. Wes Moore.
In his new function, along with racing and wagering, Knauf will develop and implement plans for catering, leisure, occasions and extra at Pimlico, serving to fulfill a plan meant to create a hub of financial exercise in Baltimore’s Park Heights group and create a basis for the way forward for Maryland horseracing.
Maryland racing will probably be carried out at Laurel Park till renovations at Pimlico are full. Nonetheless, the 2025 Preakness Stakes — the a hundred and fiftieth operating of the race — will probably be held at Pimlico, and the 2026 occasion will probably be held at Laurel.
The MTROA’s plan helps Maryland’s very important equine business, which accounts for 25% of the state’s agricultural base, roughly 28,000 jobs, and $3 billion in whole financial impression.
This press launch has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the group that produced the discharge.
