Soth to leave Fair Grounds

Fair Grounds President Randall E. Soth, who has held the top job at Churchill

Downs Inc.'s (CDI) historic New Orleans track since September 2004, is leaving

to pursue other career interests, CDI announced Thursday. His final day with CDI

will be August 30.

Prior to joining Fair Grounds, Soth served as vice president and general

manager of Calder Race Course, another CDI property.

"It has been a great honor to work as a member of the CDI management team,"

Soth said. "I've enjoyed my years with the company and am very grateful for the

opportunities I've had. I want to thank the entire Fair Grounds team for their

hard work and dedication, especially through the challenges of Hurricane Katrina

in 2005. It has been a privilege to work with and learn from them."

"Randy has truly been a great asset for our company," CDI's Executive Vice

President Steve Sexton said. "He guided Fair Grounds through what was certainly

the most trying and uncertain period in its history after the devastation

wrought by Hurricane Katrina, and his unwavering leadership helped bring a

strong and solid racing product back to New Orleans. He also oversaw the

expansion of the Fair Grounds facility into a flourishing entertainment

destination that includes alternative gaming. We are grateful for these

contributions and wish Randy all the best in his future endeavors."

Austin Miller, who serves as vice president and general manager of slots and

OTB operations for Fair Grounds, will absorb Soth's racing operation

responsibilities in the interim. A search for a new head of racing operations

will begin immediately.