De Francis to take on Magna marketing duties

Joe De Francis, who sold a share of his interest in Laurel and Pimlico to Magna Entertainment Corp. in July 2002, has been given added responsibilities with the company, including leadership of the HorseRacing TV network.

"Joe has been given additional responsibilities in regards to simulcasting and the whole challenge of marketing and sponsorship for MEC," said Dennis Mills, vice chairman of Magna Entertainment on Wednesday.

"He'll be responsible for quite a large chunk of the public side of the company and the way we interact with our customers. He has also taken over the operation of HRTV."

Mills said that along with DeFrancis's added duties for Magna, he will still remain "head of Maryland racing."