Turfway GM Bach to retire
The close of this Turfway Park meet marks the end of Chip Bach’s tenure with the track after 25 years, as the general manager officially retires on April 1. He will be recognized on closing night amid fan appreciation celebrations.
Bach started with Turfway in 1999 as director of operations and human resources. In 2012, he was promoted to general manager and later added oversight of Newport Racing and Gaming to his duties when it opened in 2020, playing a key role in the opening of the facility during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bach has overseen Turfway’s transition into a revitalized winter racing destination, particularly under the ownership of Churchill Downs Inc. in the last several years and with massive purse growth due to the influx of gaming funds.
“Chip’s leadership has helped restore Turfway Park as a major player in Thoroughbred racing in northern Kentucky,” Tyler Picklesimer, director of racing at Turfway Park, said in a release discussing Bach’s retirement. “Maiden special weight purses have grown from $18,500 to $100,000, the stakes program has expanded, and his work securing the Jeff Ruby Steaks as our signature sponsor helped put Turfway back on the national racing map.”
Bach says he has tried to emphasize strengthening relationships with the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, jockeys, and others in the racing community. That was of particular importance earlier in his tenure, when purses were lower and winter weather often made conditions difficult. He also focused on creating memorable guest experiences.
“What I’ll miss most are the teams at Turfway and Newport, along with the riders and the people who stuck with Turfway Park during the difficult years,” Bach said. “To see them now enjoy the new Turfway Park and the growth we’ve experienced has been incredibly rewarding.”
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