suggestion for new nyra coo

Originally Posted by Kasept

There are only a couple of people out there that would be a fit..

Corey Johnson, who recently left MEC, is the obvious one..

Rick Hammerly, who came inches from joining NYRA as VP/Racing a year ago, is another..

Any word on either , or is it still too early in the game to be throwing this subject around ? I enjoy your repartee with RH and he would hit the ground running.
If NYRA is like other places, sometimes the place sort of runs itself. Everyone steps up and does more and things go on as before for 6 -12 monthes until new blood is in place. Then, things get interesting as the new blood stamps their turf.

I just pulled the Corey Johnsen ,PR release . Seems he is with a private investment group buying an unspecified racetrack.

"Corey Johnsen, who led the development of Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, has resigned as President of Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC) Southern Operations to join a group of private investors that are in the process to acquire controlling interest of another North American racetrack."

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by point given

Any word on either , or is it still too early in the game to be throwing this subject around ? I enjoy your repartee with RH and he would hit the ground running.

If NYRA is like other places, sometimes the place sort of runs itself. Everyone steps up and does more and things go on as before for 6 -12 monthes until new blood is in place. Then, things get interesting as the new blood stamps their turf.

Hammerly and his wife had trouble finding a place to live that they were happy with at the time he was considering the job. He is doubtful at this point I believe to make a move.

Johnson, who was totally under-utilized at MEC, left to join a group that is trying to a acquire a racetrack. He might be interested since he has only been involved in that project for a number of weeks.

The job is not unappealling as there is every likelihood that NYRA will be a part of whatever new franchise configuration emerges after January 1, 2008, and a guy like Johnson would be part of it...

The issue is finding someone that has experience in as many areas as Nader did/does. Marketing; Simulcasting; Operations; Mutuels; Trustees; etc.. Nader did EVERYTHING.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Kasept

The issue is finding someone that has experience in as many areas as Nader did/does. Marketing; Simulcasting; Operations; Mutuels; Trustees; etc.. Nader did EVERYTHING.

And he did it well.

I think you are right that there is some appeal to taking a chance with NYRA right now in that it could enhance your future position. NYRA's gets stronger every day. Anyone care to wager as to whether or not the new franchise holder, should it be someone other NYRA, is actually announced by the end of May?

[sumitas]

They'll probably get that done before the budget. There's a lot of weasals up in Albany.