Doleshel named Aqueduct racing secretary

ELMONT, N.Y. - Keith Doleshel has been promoted to the role of racing secretary for Aqueduct, the New York Racing Association announced in a press release Saturday afternoon.

Doleshel, 34, replaces Mike Lakow, who left NYRA in September to become vice president of racing operations at Gulfstream Park. Lakow also served as racing secretary at Saratoga. A new racing secretary for Saratoga was not named in the press release.

Doleshel, a graduate of the University of Arizona’s Racetrack Industry program, joined NYRA in 2017 and has previously served as an assistant racing secretary at Belmont and Aqueduct. Rob Driscoll will serve as assistant racing secretary to both Doleshel and Pat Pope, who serves as racing secretary at Belmont for its fall and spring/summer meets.

“We are pleased to be able to promote from within the racing department at NYRA,” Martin Panza, NYRA’s senior vice president of racing operations, said in a press release. “Both Keith and Rob have really excelled and learned a great deal since joining the office and we're pleased to be helping our racing office staff develop into future leaders of NYRA racing.
Doleshel said he is looking forward to continuing to work with New York trainers and owners when Aqueduct opens its fall meet on Nov. 1.

"Aqueduct is an important part of racing in New York," Doleshel said. "We're lucky to work with horsemen and women whose commitment, skill and dedication are unmatched in the sport. That is evidenced every year at Aqueduct and it's an honor to be a part of it.”