Kay named president and CEO of NYRA

Christopher Kay was named president and CEO of The New York Racing

Association Inc. (NYRA) following unanimous approval by its Board of Directors

at a meeting on Tuesday. The appointment is effective as of July 1.

Kay, 60, most recently served as COO for The Trust for Public Land, where he

oversaw the operations of the land conservation organization's headquarters and

37 field offices. Prior to that, Kay was a consultant to Universal Parks &

Resorts, serving as its Managing Director of International Business Development.

From 2001-2006, Kay served as the Chief Operating Officer for Toys 'R' Us, a

Fortune 200 international company, and prior to that he was the retailer's

Executive Vice President of Operations and General Counsel. Kay was also a

minority owner of Orlando's AA baseball team and a member of the ownership group

that sought to obtain the first MLB franchise in Florida.

Kay is a graduate of the University of Missouri and of the Duke University

School of Law.

"After a careful search involving many highly qualified candidates, we are

delighted to select Chris as our new president and CEO," NYRA Chair David J.

Skorton said. "His wide range of expertise and skills -- including experience in

the legal, regulatory and corporate governance environments -- will serve him

extremely well in his new position at NYRA."

"Chris's unique blend of experience in retail, theme parks, sports and legal

helped set him apart during this extensive search," NYRA Board member and Chair

of the Nominations and Governance Committee Michael Del Giudice said. "We look

forward to working with him as NYRA moves forward in the months and years

ahead."

"I am confident that we have found the right person to lead NYRA forward,"

said Board Member Stuart S. Janney III, who was also a member of the search

committee for the vacant CEO position.

"Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated the type of leadership and

strategic vision so crucial to NYRA's future success."

"Chris has a thorough understanding of the need to develop and drive brand

strategies in a competitive and ever-changing environment," said Board member

Jane Rosenthal, who was also a member of the CEO search committee. "He supported

and enhanced the Toys 'R' Us brand in every country in which it did business and

sought to introduce the Universal Studios theme park brand to new countries as

its Managing Director."

"Though he has had no direct involvement with Thoroughbred racing, Chris is

familiar with the sport and will make great use of the outstanding team in place

that has successfully guided NYRA through the past month and a half -- a period

that included the 145th Belmont Stakes," Board and search committee member Bobby

Flay said. "Chris's arrival will bring new ideas and synergies to our

organization that will benefit NYRA, horsemen and fans, alike."

"We were fortunate to choose from an abundance of fine candidates, but

Chris's business and leadership skills stamped him as our first preference,"

Board and search committee member Earle Mack said. "I know the Board and others

will enjoy working with Chris once he takes over."

"I'm honored by the confidence expressed in me today by the NYRA Board," Kay

said. "Thoroughbred racing is an important part of the lives of so many --

including the hundreds of thousands of fans who have loyally supported us

through the years. I will work hard to earn their trust and respect as we embark

upon an extremely important chapter of NYRA's history. Working with the talented

professionals at NYRA and its dedicated and experienced Board, I anticipate an

exciting and successful future for our sport."

The NYRA Board retained the services of the executive search firm RSR

Partners to assist in the filling of the president and CEO position.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com