Nader takes post as Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Director of Racing

Nader takes post as Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive

Director of Racing

William Nader, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the New

York Racing Association (NYRA), has accepted the position of executive director

of racing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC).

"The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a worldwide leader in the Thoroughbred industry

and its not for profit business model works to near perfection," Nader

explained. "This is a chance to join a great team committed to excellence and to

gain international experience at the highest level. I've enjoyed each of my 13

years at NYRA and believe that NYRA represents the best future for New York

racing."

Nader, 49, received his bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of

New Hampshire and worked as a turf writer and handicapper for the Eagle

Tribune in North Andover, Massachusetts. He eventually joined Rockingham

Park and served many roles, including back-up track announcer, hosting a

television show, and managing simulcasting and marketing. Offered the director

of marketing position at NYRA three times in 1994, Nader turned down the

position twice, citing responsibilities at Rockingham, before accepting in

September. That same year, he was awarded the Sam McCracken Memorial Award for

Lifetime Contributions to New England Racing.

At NYRA, Nader was named director of simulcasting and television systems

in 1995, senior vice president in 2000 and became chief operating officer last

year.

"It's always a disappointment when a company loses one of its key executives;

however, we wish Bill every success in his new position and we congratulate the

Hong Kong Jockey Club on an excellent choice for its new executive director of

racing," NYRA Chairman C. Steven Duncker said.

"We wish Bill all the best on this exciting new endeavor and outstanding

opportunity," added Charles E. Hayward, president and chief executive officer of

NYRA. "The New York Racing Association is indebted to Bill for his years of

service and dedication to helping make the racing product in New York the very

best in the world. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is extremely fortunate to welcome

aboard a man of Bill's talents, knowledge and commitment to excellence."

Nader also serves as an Equibase board member, a member of the board of

directors at the Thoroughbred Racing Association as well as a member of the

Advisory Council at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program.

"The Jockey Club is committed to engaging top notch racing professionals to

serve our business in Hong Kong and after a world-wide search, I am delighted to

welcome Bill on board to take up the challenge as he has a strong experience

with racing business perspective," said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief

executive officer of the HKJC. "He will become a key member of our team to help

us achieve our vision in providing world class racing and sporting entertainment

and to contribute to revitalizing racing and racing business turnover."

Nader will begin his new duties April 23.