McCarron Santa Anita GM

ARCADIA, Calif. - Chris McCarron, the Hall of Fame jockey who retired last June, has been appointed general manager of Santa Anita, the track parent's company, Magna Entertainment, announced Wednesday.

McCarron will take his position on March 31. He will assume a title currently held by Jack Liebau, who is also Santa Anita's president. Liebau also serves as president of Magna's two other California tracks - Bay Meadows in San Mateo and Golden Gate Fields in Albany.

McCarron will report to Liebau, the company stated. Liebau was not available for comment.

In a press release, McCarron said he was approached about a management position by Magna's chairman, Frank Stronach. McCarron rode Stronach's Touch Gold to win the 1997 Belmont Stakes. McCarron, 47, has no experience in racetrack management, but has served in leadership capacities for the Jockeys' Guild in recent years.