Gallagher retiring from N.Y. Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association

Jim Gallagher, the executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association since 2007, has announced his retirement, effective next Tuesday, NYTHA announced on Friday.

Gallagher, who has held a number of management positions in New York and Kentucky, will be replaced by Andy Belfiore, who has been NYTHA’s director of communications since 2011, NYTHA said.

Gallagher, who has been open about his desire to retire this year, was hired by NYTHA after serving as executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, which is now known as the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Prior to that position, he had served as vice president of regulatory compliance and parimutuel operations for the New York Racing Association and as chief of racing operations for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

“After more than 30 years in service to the racing industry, we wish Jim all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” NYTHA president Rick Violette said in a statement. “We know how much he enjoys to travel, and we hope those travels will bring him back to the track often.”

Belfiore has a long career in the racing industry, starting with jobs hot-walking at NYRA tracks and leading to stints as a groom, exercise rider, and assistant trainer. She was the editor-in-chief of the Thoroughbred Daily News for 18 years before joining NYTHA in 2011.