Longtime NYRA racing official Pete Fitzgerald retiring

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Pete Fitzgerald, who has worked on and off at the New York Racing Association since 1978, is retiring following Sunday’s card. Fitzgerald has spent the last nine years as the paddock judge at NYRA’s three tracks.

Fitzgerald, 68, said he felt it was just a good time to leave.

“I’m going to put my feet up and not be on the Belt Parkway,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald began working in the horse identification office here in 1978. He worked in the racing office and in the jockeys’ room as an assistant clerk of scales. From 1995-2006, Fitzgerald was the paddock judge at Delaware Park before returning to NYRA.

“It’s been a great ride,” Fitzgerald said.

Patrick Davis from the horse ID office will take over as the paddock judge.