Progress: Passero out at NYRA

The New York Racing Association announced on Friday that John Passero has resigned as director of racing surfaces, effective September 1st at the conclusion of the Saratoga Race Course meeting, news widely applauded in almost every segment of the racing community.

Passero, whose methods have come under heavy criticism from horsemen who are in general agreement that the racing surfaces in New York have declined dramatically during his wach, has served in the position, where he is responsible for 11 racing surfaces at Saratoga, Belmont Park, and Aqueduct Race Track, since January 2005.

NYRA also announced that Glen Kozak will assume the post of Director of Racing Surfaces on September 5th at the start of the Belmont Park Fall Championship Meeting.

“John Passero has managed and supervised five turf courses, four dirt tracks, and two training tracks at NYRA’s three locations, which is an incredibly complex and demanding job,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “He has always handled it admirably and with distinction and the proof is that NYRA’s racing surfaces are the best maintained and most honest in the country.”

Kozak has a strong reputation throughout the industry.

“Glen Kozak comes to NYRA very highly recommended from our colleagues in New England and Maryland, with a great work ethic and terrific communication skills,” said Hal Handel, NYRA Executive Vice President and COO. “Glen has also been responsible for the construction of new racing surfaces, so we are additionally fortunate to have him join us.”