Durenberger named Jockey Club steward for NYRA tracks

Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, currently the chief examining veterinarian for the New York Racing Association, has been appointed to succeed Jim Edwards as the Jockey Club steward at NYRA tracks.

Edwards, a former jockey who has worked as a steward for the last 16 years – the last 3 1/2 in New York – retired from the position on Sunday.

“It’s the right time,” Edward said Sunday before his final card. “Everybody in this game sacrifices something. I’m going to head to Florida to be around family.”

According to a statement from the Jockey Club, Durenberger will take over the role on the first day of the Belmont fall meet, continuing in her position at NYRA through the end of the Saratoga meet that begins Thursday. Dr. Ted Hill, who served as the Jockey Club steward at NYRA tracks from 1996 through 2015 before retiring, will serve as the Jockey Club steward during the Saratoga season.

Durenberger, an accredited steward, acts as secretary for the Racing Officials Accreditation Program’s board of directors. She has extensive experience as a regulatory veterinarian in both New York and California, has worked as a steward in Louisiana and Minnesota, and previously served as director of racing for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.