Gallagher at helm of N.Y. horsemen's group

Jim Gallagher, the former executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, has been hired as the executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, according to the organization.

Gallagher, who started at the New York position on Tuesday, is replacing Robert Flynn, who resigned on June 12. During his two years at the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, Gallagher oversaw the overhaul of the state's medication rules. He left the authority late last year in order to attend to family matters.

Gallagher, a native of New York, has also had previous positions at the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and at the New York Racing Association, which operates Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga. The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association represents owners and trainers who run at the three tracks operated by NYRA.

"I'm thrilled to be back working with the New York horsemen and am eager to get started implementing new ideas," Gallagher said in a statement.