Couch resigns Gulfstream post

Citing the difficulties of performing in a high-pressure job far from home,

Bill Couch has resigned as the racing secretary for Gulfstream Park.

The Ohio native first came to Gulfstream Park in 2007 and served as the track's

Palm Meadows liaison. Later that year he was elevated to the post of racing

secretary. Couch served as racing secretary for the 2008 Gulfstream Park meet,

which was highlighted by BIG BROWN's (Boundary) smashing five-length victory in

the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) on March 29.

"I very much enjoyed the last two winters at Gulfstream Park," Couch said

from Thistledown, where he currently serves as racing secretary. "It was a

thrill to meet the people I did and to enjoy the experiences I had, but I'm a

family man."

Bill Murphy, president and general manager of Gulfstream Park, said, "Bill

has served with distinction in several racing posts throughout his career. Bill

has much to offer and we hope we can come to an arrangement whereby we can once

again use his talents, in whichever form that may take."

Murphy said he expects to name a replacement for Couch by mid-August.