Santa Anita names Ludt president, replacing Haines

ARCADIA, Calif. – Tom Ludt, the former chairman of the Breeders’ Cup, was named president of Santa Anita on Wednesday, replacing George Haines, who will direct the network of Southern California offtrack wagering locations, the track announced.

Ludt, 49, joined Santa Anita in April 2013 as senior vice president of racing and gaming. He has a background as an executive in both Thoroughbred racing and breeding as the president of Vinery Farms in Kentucky from 2004-13 and the chairman of the Breeders’ Cup board of directors from 2011-13.

Ludt, who has a background in equine insurance, has owned and bred Thoroughbreds.

“Given his close ties to those involved with the Breeders’ Cup, and with horsemen nationwide, Tom brings us our best chance for success on every level,” Santa Anita chairman Keith Brackpool said in a statement.

Haines, who has worked at Santa Anita since 1972, was named president in May 2010. He began working at the track at the age of 18 and later directed the mutuel department from 1984-99. He was later named assistant general manager, and general manager in 2004.

Haines will remain with Santa Anita in an advisory role, according to a statement released by Santa Anita.

In his new position, Haines will direct Southern California Offtrack Wagering Inc., which oversees simulcasting at a network of offtrack wagering locations such as racetracks, county fairgrounds, and a growing number of mini-satellites at card clubs, restaurants, and sports bars.