Joe Wilson

The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission (PHRC) on Tuesday voted to grant Thoroughbred racing dates for 2025 that will feature 150 programs at Parx, 105 at Penn National, and 76 at Presque Isle Downs. Prior to the vote on the dates, however, executives from each track were asked to do something rarely required by racing commissions in this country: Principals from each venue were requested to explain the rationale behind the 2025 takeout rates that accompanied each licensee's dates request. Takeout rates, the per-bet pricing structure that tracks and states impose...

At the recent American Horse Council (AHC) Annual Meeting, the Board of Trustees elected new officers and filled standing committee chair positions, the organization said in a release Thursday. The new officers are: Dr Rick Mitchell, Chair; representing United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Marilyn Bertera, Vice Chair; representing United States Trotting Association Matt Iuliano, Treasurer; representing The Jockey Club Kristin Werner, Secretary; representing The Jockey Club At the same event, the following standing committee chairs were approved: Kathy Alm, of PATH International as chair of Equine Welfare Katie Flynn, DVM,...

Chris Griffin has been named as the new voice of Parx Racing. Following the retirement of announcer Keith Jones in December, Parx launched an extensive search for their next track announcer. "Keith was here for 34 years," said Joe Wilson, Chief Operating Officer for Parx Racing. "This was a new process for all of us. Chris is a rising star in our industry with a tremendous work ethic. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Parx family." Griffin added, "This is my opportunity to enter a booth that saw...