by Steve May, Vice President and Business Manager, Association of Racing Commissioners International

Oklahoma City, OK — New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chair John Sabini is the new Chair of the Association of Racing Commissioners International. Sabini, who was elected last year, was sworn in during the association’s annual meeting Friday (April 27).

RCI photo

John Sabini

In other actions, Commissioner Duncan Patterson of the Delaware Thoroughbred Commission was selected to serve as Chair-Elect/Secretary and Doug King of the Horse Racing Branch of the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority was elected Treasurer.

The group, which has been meeting this week in Oklahoma City, also elected members of its Board of Directors for the 2012-2013 term. The elected Directors are: Commissioner Mark Lamberth of the Arkansas State Racing Commission; Tom Sage, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Racing Commission; Eddie Menton, Chair of the Mobile County Racing Commission; Doug King, Director of the Horse Racing Branch of the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority; Constantin “Tino” Rieger, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission; Larry Eliason, Executive Secretary of the South Dakota Commission on Gaming; Richard Krueger, Executive Director of the Minnesota Racing Commission; Mark Laino, Executive Director of the Illinois Racing Board; John Ward, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission; and Hugh Gallagher, Executive Director of the Delaware Harness Racing Commission

The newly elected directors will join representatives assigned by the five largest handle jurisdictions: California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Ontario.

In addition, Chairman Sabini may appoint two additional directors at any point during his term.