1/ST hires Rob D'Amico, ex-FBI, as chief security officer

Rob D’Amico, a former FBI supervisory agent, has been hired by the parent company of Santa Anita Park and Gulfstream Park as its first chief security officer, the company, known as 1/ST, announced on Wednesday.

D’Amico, who most recently worked as the FBI’s legal attache to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, will “lead an integrated security team” at 1/ST, which was formerly known as The Stronach Group. The company’s assets include racetracks, a bet-processing company, and an account-wagering company, among other racing-related businesses.

“Rob has an extensive and proven track record of collaboration with federal, state, local, and international law-enforcement agencies and military that will serve to further complement and reinforce our company’s unwavering commitment to integrity,” said Belinda Stronach, the chairman of 1/ST, in a statement. “While progress has been made, there is much work to be done to ensure we continue to weed out those in our sport who believe there is a place for unethical and illegal practices.”

In the release, 1/ST said that D’Amico will provide “an increased layer of protection and security oversight on the backstretch, for guests at 1/ST venues and online, for employees, and the company’s IT systems.”

D’Amico has worked for federal law-enforcement agencies for 26 years, according to the release. He has 35 years of experience working for the U.S. government, the release said.

“I look forward to applying my law-enforcement and intelligence expertise to protect these magnificent animals and the integrity of the sport while working with the diverse group of companies that make up 1/ST,” D’Amico said.