Etc. . . .

Dennis Bookshester has been appointed the chairman of the Illinois Racing Board by Governor George Ryan. Bookshester, a 63-year-old Chicago businessman, replaces Ralph Gonzales, who will remain a member of the IRB. . . . Michael Wrona, the track announcer at Lone Star Park near Dallas, will miss the remainder of the meet, which ends July 14, because of a death in the family in his native Australia. Rick Mocklin, agent to leading Lone Star rider Corey Lanerie and a former announcer, will call the races until a replacement is found.