Reid leaves NYRA after 34 years

ELMONT, N.Y. – Janet Reid, who has worked in the horse identification office for nearly 34 years, will be leaving the New York Racing Association when the Belmont meet ends Sunday.

Reid, 58, has been the chief horse identifier since January 2007. Carol Dolan will take over that role beginning with the Saratoga meet.

The house Reid shares with her husband, Pat, went up in flames in March, and they are in the process of having the home rebuilt.

“I felt it important that I stay to oversee the construction,” said Reid, who opted to retire now rather than go to Saratoga.

Reid said she joined NYRA in November 1981, when a woman working in the office for Dr. Manny Gilman went out on maternity leave.

“She never came back, and I never left,” Reid said. “I met lots of great friends. It’s unfortunate that I have to leave, but I’ll be in touch as much as I can.”