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

Lexington, KY — Racing Commissioners International Chair William Koester of Ohio has announced the appointment of several new committee chairs in an effort to expand the association’s efforts affecting a number of aspects of the racing industry.

“These appointments are designed to enhance our efforts involving wagering security, Standardbred racing and continuing education,” Koester said, noting that the association continues to rely on the vast array of talented individuals who serve on member racing commissions or their staff.

Marc Laino of Illinois to chair Wagering Systems Security Committee

Illinois Racing Board executive Marc Laino, an experienced racing regulator, will chair RCI’s Wagering Systems Security Committee, responsible for advising the group and its members on wagering security matters and possible rules.

In the coming months, the committee is expected to review proposed rules on exchange wagering, single-pool totalisator systems, and cooperative industry efforts to safeguard against pool manipulations and fraud.

“Marc Laino has worked on these issues and has served as past chair of the RCI tote standards effort. His level of expertise is an asset to all of us and we are appreciative of his willingness to tackle these important issues for us,” Koester said.

Alan Leavitt of Kentucky to chair Standardbred Racing Committee

Kentucky Racing Commissioner Alan Leavitt has been named chair of the RCI Standardbred Racing Committee. Leavitt, who also serves on the boards of the United States Trotting Association and the Hambletonian Society, is a noted Standardbred owner/breeder as well as a respected regulator and member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

“Given the challenges faced by Standardbred racing, there is no one with more enthusiasm and depth of experience, knowledge and involvement to lead a dialogue on our behalf with all interested parties than Alan Leavitt,” Koester said.

In the coming months it is expected that the Standardbred Racing Committee will play a higher profile role within the association in advancing concerns of industry participants and fans in an effort to encourage uniform regulatory practices and policies.

Hugh Gallagher of Delaware to chair Education/Training Committee

Hugh Gallagher, the executive director of the Delaware Harness Racing Commission, has been named chair of the RCI Education and Training Committee in an effort to expand the association’s efforts to ensure that racing commissioners, officials, and commission staff have the background and support necessary to fulfill their responsibilities.

Gallagher currently serves on the board of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program and has more than 30 years of experience in racing as a steward, racing official, and regulator. He is a lecturer at the University of Louisville College of Equine Industry Program’s Continuing Education Program for Stewards and Judges and has participated in the development and execution of the RCI New Commissioner/Senior Staff training program.

“Hugh has traveled the continent to help train judges and stewards and numerous other regulatory staff. His service within RCI as well as with the Racing Officials Accreditation Program affords us the ability to maximize his talents as the chair of this important committee,” Koester said.

Bob McReavy of Canada to chair Pari-Mutuel Auditors Committee

Bob McReavy of the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency has been named chair of the RCI Pari-Mutuel Auditors Committee, replacing Carol Olewin of the Texas Racing Commission who retired earlier this year. In this capacity, McReavy will also serve on the RCI Wagering Systems Security Committee and serve as RCI’s liaison to the TRA 20/20 Committee, dealing with technical issues affecting simulcast wagering distribution.