[PatCummings]

Press release from NYRA today:

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Frank Gabriel Jr., currently the CEO for the Dubai Racing Club, will join The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) as the racing secretary for Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

It marks a return to NYRA for Gabriel, the company’s director of racing from 1998-1999. Gabriel, 59, also spent 16 years at Arlington Park, where he served first as racing secretary and handicapper and later as vice president of racing operations.

“Frank has an outstanding reputation among horsemen and throughout the entire industry,” said Martin Panza, Senior Vice President of Racing Operations for NYRA. “Adding someone of his caliber is an expression of the premium we are placing on quality at our most prestigious meets.”

Gabriel was named CEO for the Dubai Racing club in 2005, and during his time in Dubai he oversaw the development of Meydan Racecourse, which opened in 2010.

In addition, Gabriel has worked in various capacities at Timonium Race Track, Keystone Racetrack (now Parx Racing), Atlantic City Race Course, Meadowlands Racetrack, Garden State Park, Hialeah Park and Gulfstream Park.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to work for the New York Racing Association,” said Gabriel. “After a remarkable nine years with the Dubai Racing Club, I look forward to working with the horsemen and the NYRA management team to bring the fans the best quality racing programs at the Belmont and Saratoga meets.”

Gabriel will start his seasonal position at NYRA in mid-April, after the Dubai World Cup and prior to the Belmont spring/summer meet, which begins on May 1. Dan Eidson will continue in his role as racing secretary for Aqueduct Racetrack.