Panza to start NYRA job next month

Martin Panza will start his new job as senior vice president of racing operations for the New York Racing Association in late November, the organization said Sunday in a press release announcing his hire.

Daily Racing Form reported Panza’s hiring Friday.

Since 1994, Panza has served as vice president of racing and racing secretary at Betfair Hollywood Park, a track that will shutter following its fall meet.

"This is a very significant step in the continuing effort to successfully reorganize the New York Racing Association," Dr. David Skorton, chair of the NYRA Reorganization Board, said in the press release. "Martin is a proven leader with more than 25 years' experience. He will work very effectively with the other skilled executives currently in place at NYRA. The organization is moving in the right direction."

In addition to working at Hollywood Park, Panza served two terms on the American Graded Stakes Committee, and he serves on the Breeders' Cup Selection Committee, the Dubai World Cup Selection Committee, and the North American Ratings Committee for The Jockey Club.

"It's a great honor to join the New York Racing Association team," Panza said in the release. "I will work hard to present great racing and to create innovative ways to further increase the fan base."

Prior to working at Hollywood Park, Panza served in a variety of racing positions at tracks including Santa Anita Park and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

"Martin will bring skills that are so important as we strive to continuously improve our quality of racing," said Chris Kay, NYRA chief executive and president. "He will also work closely with New York State's Equine Medical Director to promote safety."