JC / Railbird - Shakeup at NYRA

Shakeup at NYRA

“Charles Hayward, the president and CEO of the New York Racing Association, announced four major personnel changes Thursday intended to give the beleaguered franchise a ‘fresh approach’” (Daily Racing Form). Racing secretary Mike Lakow, chief veterinarian Dr. Celeste Kunz, and vice president of human resources and labor relations Ralph Chetcuti were fired by Hayward. Steward David Hicks retired. Hayward were circumspect in his comments on the changes:

All these people made significant contributions. Mike Lakow is one of the preeminent racing secretaries in the country. I have no desire to say anything negative about these people. The fact I fired them is the result of the evaluations of how they fit into what we’re trying to accomplish moving forward (New York Post).

Trainer Bobby Frankel, always good for an inappropriate quote, told the Post, “It’s a disgrace. They owe us an explanation. It’s like the Gestapo, they just chop your head off. It’s not right.”
Mike Lakow has been replaced by assistant racing secretary P.J. Campo. Dr. Kunz, best known for saving Charismatic after he broke down in the 1999 Belmont Stakes, was replaced by Dr. Anthony Verderosa.

Posted by JC in NY Racing Issues on 07/15/2005 @ 10:05 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter