Leading Executives in Racecourses
Ali A. Al Ali
Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Racing Club
Chief executive of the organization that stages the Dubai World Cup at Meydan; part of a refreshed board structure under Chairman Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook to strengthen Dubai’s global racing footprint.
Mike Anderson
President, Churchill Downs Racetrack
Leads day‑to‑day operations at the home of the Kentucky Derby, overseeing racing, guest experience and major-event execution for CDI’s flagship track.
Website | Track page (role) | Media/press
Shannon Bishop Arvin
President & Chief Executive Officer, Keeneland Association
Keeneland’s first female President & CEO; guiding a near‑$93M paddock and facilities redevelopment scheduled to transform the on‑track experience in 2025.
Felicity Barnard
Chief Executive Officer, Ascot Racecourse
Former Deputy CEO and Commercial Director elevated to lead one of the world’s most iconic racecourses, stewarding Royal Ascot and year‑round venue growth.
Aidan Butler
President, 1/ST; CEO, 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST (The Stronach Group)
Oversees strategy and growth as President of 1/ST and CEO of 1/ST RACING & GAMING, linking premier U.S. race days with international partners and new event concepts like the California Crown.
Bill Carstanjen
Chief Executive Officer, Churchill Downs Incorporated
CDI’s CEO since 2014; has led a long‑term diversification strategy beyond the Derby into online wagering and gaming while still investing in marquee racing assets.
Louis A. Cella
President, Oaklawn Jockey Club (Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort)
Third‑generation steward of Oaklawn’s growth; active nationally via Equibase and key industry boards while expanding the Hot Springs racing and entertainment footprint.
Martin Cruddace
Chief Executive Officer, Arena Racing Company (ARC)
Heads the UK’s largest racecourse group by fixtures, advocating reform of the betting levy model and strengthening ARC’s media and international partnerships.
William Derby
Chief Executive & Clerk of the Course, York Racecourse
Long‑serving chief of the Ebor Festival venue; one of Britain’s most respected clerk/executive dual roles, credited with enhancing the York raceday experience.
Dennis Drazin
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Darby Development LLC (operator of Monmouth Park)
Architect of New Jersey’s sports‑betting breakthrough and Monmouth Park’s 85‑year redevelopment lease, steering a major mixed‑use expansion on the track’s campus.
Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges
Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Long‑time HKJC CEO and a global thought‑leader as Chair of the IFHA and ARF, driving international standards on integrity, safety and fan engagement.
Corporate profile | News/press
Drew Fleming
President & Chief Executive Officer, Breeders’ Cup Limited
Expanded the event’s media footprint (rights through 2030) and secured future host sites including a return to Belmont Park in 2027.
Website | Media/rights news | Event site (host news)
Elie Hennau
Directeur Général (Director General), France Galop
Took over as Director General in January 2024, tasked with steering French Flat and Jump racing operations and amplifying welfare/aftercare initiatives.
Website | Appointment (press) | Interview
Brian Kavanagh
Chief Executive, The Curragh Racecourse
Former HRI chief now leading Ireland’s flagship track; launched the country’s first permanent sensory room at a racecourse to broaden accessibility.
Bill Knauf
President & General Manager, The Maryland Jockey Club, Inc.
Brought in as President & GM (effective Jan. 1, 2025) to run racing at Pimlico/Laurel under Maryland’s new nonprofit operator and to help deliver Pimlico’s rebuild.
Jim Mullen
Group Chief Executive, The Jockey Club (UK)
Appointed Group Chief Executive on June 1, 2025; the first Jockey Club CEO with a major gambling‑sector background, now leading the UK’s largest racecourse group.
Nate Newby
Senior Vice President & General Manager, Santa Anita Park (1/ST)
Senior VP & GM credited with safety and business gains during a challenging California transition year, while coordinating marquee events at ‘The Great Race Place.’
David O’Rourke
President & Chief Executive Officer, New York Racing Association (NYRA)
Oversees Belmont Park’s multi‑year rebuild, Saratoga’s expanded role during construction, and NYRA’s broader media/betting strategy.
Josh Rubinstein
President & Chief Operating Officer, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Long‑time DMTC executive elevated to President; central to Del Mar’s successful Breeders’ Cup hostings and the track’s modern fan experience.
Adam Waterworth
Group Chief Executive Officer, Goodwood Estate (Goodwood Racecourse)
Appointed Group CEO of Goodwood Estate in October 2024 after a decade leading sport at the estate; oversees the Qatar Goodwood Festival and wider multi‑event portfolio.
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