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Releases: NYRA announces resignation of CEO Chris Kay. O'Rourke will be interim CEO. Jordan statement attached.
NYSNYS News
Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Contact: Pat McKenna
(718) 659-2244


NYRA announces resignation of CEO & President Chris Kay

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Board of Directors today announced that it has accepted the resignation of NYRA CEO & President Chris Kay, effectively immediately.

To ensure continuity of operations, David O'Rourke, NYRA's Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, has been named interim CEO.

O'Rourke joined NYRA in 2008 as Director of Financial Planning. Since 2011, O'Rourke has been responsible for NYRA's business development strategies across a range of disciplines including industry relations, simulcast markets and contracts, television and ADW operations, and capital projects.

Kay was named President and CEO in 2013. Under his direction, NYRA improved the quality and safety of racing operations; enhanced the overall guest experience; and was returned to private control.

About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic impact to the State.

Over the course of 219 days of live racing in 2018, NYRA generated more than $2.1 billion in all-sources wagering handle with paid attendance exceeding 1.7 million for the fifth consecutive year.

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For Release: Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Contact: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-2381, (518) 281-3203 (cell), fitzpatr@nysenate.gov

Statement from Senator Daphne Jordan (R,C,I,Ref-Halfmoon), Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee on NYRA:



“As the Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, and representing the 43rd Senate district which includes the historic Saratoga Race Course and Racino, the future of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) is incredibly important to me, to our community, and to our entire state. I look forward to sitting down with David O’Rourke to ensure a smooth transition at NYRA and address issues important to Saratoga, home of the Travers and a world renowned destination for horseracing, gaming and entertainment. I want Saratoga to continue attracting the very best in horseracing and it begins with having a strong and responsive NYRA and making sure Saratoga’s specific concerns are heard.”

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