Shakopee, MN – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced the appointment of Steve May of Georgetown, KY, as the next executive director of the Minnesota Racing Commission. May will assume his new duties in late April, succeeding Tom DiPasquale, who retired in February after serving as director since 2013.

Steve May has been named executive director of the Minnesota Racing Commission. Photo courtesy of Paulick Report.

May is the Director of Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Compliance for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Previously, he was vice president and business manager of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, a national association that represents pari-mutuel racing regulators in most racing states, including Minnesota. May’s educational background includes bachelor and master degrees, including an MBA.

Minnesota Racing Commission chairman Jim Lane congratulated Governor Walz on his appointment of a respected, nationally known racing and wagering industry official to serve as director at a critical time for horse racing in Minnesota and the nation. “Steve May has had broad background in racing and pari-mutuel operations and is well suited by education and experience to lead the fine commission staff assembled here in Minnesota by his predecessor,” said Lane.

Public health emergencies have cast uncertainty over horse racing throughout the United States and Canada. Racing continues in some states, such as in California, Arkansas, and Florida, but without fans in the stands or at the betting windows. Last week both Canterbury Park and Running Aces Casino, Hotel, and Racetrack closed their card clubs and race books for indefinite periods. Uncertainty also surrounds opening of the stable areas for training and 2020 race meetings. Canterbury Park had planned to open its stable area to horsemen in mid-April but informed the Commission last week that it did not now anticipate opening to horsemen until May 1, at the earliest, and perhaps later. Racing dates at Running Aces are also on hold.

Chairman Lane cautioned that the much anticipated opening of live racing in Minnesota in mid-May is likely to be postponed for several weeks, perhaps longer, if health emergencies persist. “We simply don’t know what the future of this pandemic holds for our sport,” said Lane. “At least for now, we must remain vigilant and exercise common sense by following applicable CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines to protect ourselves and families, horsemen, racetrack and card club customers, and commission and racing association employees. As we’re being reminded daily, ‘we’re all in this together’.”

About the Minnesota Racing Commission
The Minnesota Racing Commission operates in the public interest to ensure the integrity of horse racing and card playing, to oversee the proper distribution of funds back into the industry, and to provide for the safety and welfare of the human and equine participants. The Commission works to promote the horse racing and breeding industry in Minnesota in order to provide economic stimulus, offer residents and visitors an exciting entertainment option, and support agriculture and rural agribusiness. Visit www.mrc.state.mn.us for more information.