Illman named director of communications for the Maryland Jockey Club

Dan Illman, the executive producer of DRF.TV and a correspondent for Daily Racing Form covering the mid-Atlantic, has been hired as the director of communications for the state-owned company that will take over the operations of Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park in Maryland at the start of the year, the company announced.

Illman, who has been employed by DRF since 1998, will start on Jan. 1., when the hand-over of operations at the two tracks to the state-owned company becomes official. Legislation passed earlier this year created the Maryland Racetrack Operating Authority, which will run racing at the two tracks under the name The Maryland Jockey Club following the exit of 1/ST Racing, the previous owner and operator of Pimlico and Laurel.

"We are incredibly pleased to welcome Dan to the team at the new TMJC,” said Bill Knauf, the president and general manager of the company. “He is a proven leader in the field of communications and media, and we are excited for him to spread the message of the strong future of Maryland racing.”

A producer of DRF’s video content, Illman was tabbed as the mid-Atlantic correspondent for DRF in 2020. He won the 2023 Old Hilltop Award for his coverage of the circuit’s racing.

“I'm honored to join the team at TMJC and contribute to the new vision in Maryland,” Illman said. “I am excited to collaborate with horsemen, media colleagues, and industry partners to enhance coverage of racing in the state and look forward to delivering compelling multi-media content that aids and informs the horseplayer, handicapper, and racing fan.”

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