The Jockey Club announces new steward through BHA exchange program

Through an international exchange program, Cody Watkins, a steward of the British Horseracing Authority, has been appointed The Jockey Club steward at the New York Racing Association tracks, it was announced Wednesday in a press release.

An exact start date for Watkins was not mentioned, just that he would begin in early January.

Watkins replaces Samantha Randazzo who was fired from that position last April after 18 months on the job. Juliet Kagno, a NYRA safety steward, has filled the role since last April with Dr. Ted Hill, a previous The Jockey Club steward, having worked last summer’s Saratoga meet in that capacity.

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Watkins has worked as a steward in Britain for five years, according to the release.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. and abroad,” Stuart S. Janney III, chairman of The Jockey Club, said in a release. “Racing is an international sport, and sharing ideas and information through programs such as this can only make the sport better. Cody was chosen from a deep pool of international and domestic candidates, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him join us here in the United States of America.”

According to Shannon Luce, vice president communications for The Jockey Club, since Watkins comes here through an international exchange program, he is not considered an employee of The Jockey Club. Luce also said she doesn’t believe Watkins is a permanent hire.

Watkins joins the stewards’ stand that includes New York State Gaming Commission steward Braulio Baeza Jr. and NYRA steward Victor Escobar.

“NYRA is a great opportunity for me as I am experienced in stewarding high-pressured and fast-paced racing, such as the Epsom Oaks, the Epsom Derby, and Glorious Goodwood, among other big race meetings we stage here in the United Kingdom,” Watkins said in a release. “I also follow racing in America closely, and it will be an honor to expand my skillset and bring my experience to the U.S. as The Jockey Club’s appointee among helping to officiate some of America’s finest races.”

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