Rubinstein promoted to president at Del Mar

Josh Rubinstein was named president of Del Mar on Wednesday, adding to the 48-year-old executive’s existing role as the track’s chief operating officer.

The track announced the promotion in a press release, stating that Joe Harper has relinquished the title of president but will remain as chief executive officer.

With Rubinstein’s new title, little is expected to change among Del Mar’s management structure. In the last year, Rubinstein has taken a more visible role, frequently speaking before the California Horse Racing Board on track and regulatory matters and with the media on day-to-day activity at the San Diego-area racetrack.

Last month, Rubinstein was at the forefront of the track’s effort to provide stabling for horses displaced by the wildfire that hit the nearby San Luis Rey Downs training center in San Diego County on Dec. 7.

Rubinstein said on Thursday that Del Mar has approximately 370 horses in training, a number growing with the addition of 2-year-olds. The barn area is expected to remain open until early spring while San Luis Rey Downs undergoes renovation.

Rubinstein has been an executive at Del Mar since 1997 and is active with several regional and national racing organizations.