Bryan Pettigrew has been named vice president and general manager of Texas Racing Operations by Penn Entertainment, the organization announced. Pettigrew will lead operations at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston and Retama Park near San Antonio. Pettigrew takes over from Dwight Berube, who is retiring in early June. Pettigrew, 54, has served has chief marketing officer for the Breeders’ Cup and also worked for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Early in his career, he was head of marketing at Sam Houston. Pettigrew most recently served as president of Kustom Entertainment, a division of Digital Ally in Kansas City and is set to begin his new role on June 5. :: Bet the races on DRF Bets! Sign up with code WINNING to get a $250 Deposit Match, $10 Free Bet, and FREE DRF Formulator.  “I’m thrilled to have Bryan leading our Texas racing properties,” Christopher McErlean, vice president of racing for Penn Entertainment, said in a press release. “Horse racing in Texas has plenty of challenges, but Bryan has a strong understanding of the horse racing business with his previous high-profile marketing and sponsorship roles within the industry and has maintained strong connections to many Texas racing stakeholders. He also brings a wide array of experience from outside of racing in professional sports management and special events which should positively impact our properties.” Pettigrew said he is looking forward to the new role. “I was excited when I got the call to join the Penn Entertainment team and head up their Texas operations,” Pettigrew said in a press release.  “When I was previously at Sam Houston, I was able to grow handle and attendance, while educating businesses and a newer fan base about the fun, excitement, and economic impact of horse racing in Texas. I’m hoping to bring many of those same principles back and work with our talented management teams to grow our racing businesses in the Lone Star state.” Sam Houston is currently conducting a meet for Quarter Horses. Retama conducts a meet for Quarter Horses.  Texas is not currently simulcasting its Thoroughbred races to out-of-state sites due to an impasse between the Texas Racing Commission and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Sam Houston typically races Thoroughbreds from January to April, while Lone Star Park near Dallas is currently operating a meet for Thoroughbreds through early July. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.