Gulfstream racing secretary resigns

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. Bill Couch, who served as racing secretary during the 2008 Gulfstream Park meet, has resigned the post, citing the high pressure of the job and being away from his family as the reasons for the decision. No successor has been named.

Couch, who serves in a similar capacity at Thistledown in Ohio, first came to Gulfstream as a horsemens liason at the Palm Meadows training center in 2007 before being elevated to the post of racing secretary last winter.

I very much enjoyed the last two winters at Gulftream Park, Couch said Wednesday upon announcing his resignation. It was a thrill to meet the people I did and to enjoy the experiences I had. But I am a family man.

Gulfstream president Bill Murphy said: Bill has served with distinction in several racing posts throughout his career. He has much to offer, and were hoping we can come to an arrangement to again use his talents in the future.

Murphy said he expects to name Couchs replacement by the middle of August.