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NYRA announces resignation of Frank Gabriel

by Pat McKenna

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the resignation of Frank Gabriel, who has served as Sr. Vice President of Racing Operations since 2022, effective February 18. Andrew Offerman will succeed Gabriel as NYRA’s Sr. Vice President of Racing and Operations.

“On behalf of NYRA and the broader racing community in New York, I thank Frank Gabriel for his many contributions to NYRA and to thoroughbred racing,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “Because of Frank’s hard work during a period of great transition, NYRA continues to be defined by its premier racing product and organizational commitment to safety and integrity.”

During his tenure at NYRA, Gabriel led the efforts to successfully adopt and implement Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) rules and regulations while conducting the country’s leading stakes program. He was responsible for significant operational changes that have increased veterinary scrutiny on all horses stabled on NYRA property. In addition, Gabriel adjusted NYRA’s stakes program and purses to ensure the highest quality racing product throughout the year.

“My time at NYRA has been deeply fulfilling, and I would like to thank the NYRA Board, David O’Rourke and the entire NYRA team,” said Gabriel. “I wish them the best of luck moving forward.”

In his new role as Sr. Vice President of Racing and Operations, Andrew Offerman will be responsible for the leadership and oversight of racing functions at NYRA including the development, planning, and execution of NYRA’s stakes program, marquee events and live racing offerings at Aqueduct Racetrack, Saratoga Race Course and, when complete, the new Belmont Park. Additionally, he will retain oversight of several of NYRA’s general frontside operating departments including mutuels, parking, programs, security and cleaning.

Offerman joined NYRA as Vice President and General Manager of Operations in November of 2022 to oversee frontside operations at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. Beyond those core responsibilities, Offerman led the process to transition all of NYRA and NYRABets pari-mutuel wagering processing to United Tote. This move followed the 2022 acquisition of a 49 percent position in United Tote by NYRA Content Management Solutions LLC, a NYRA subsidiary.

“Andrew Offerman has quickly established himself at NYRA as a leader, strategic thinker and highly effective operator,” added O’Rourke. “This combination of skills and talent will benefit New York’s horsemen and NYRA as we plan for the new Belmont Park and the consolidation of all downstate racing at one world-class venue on Long Island. The future of thoroughbred racing in New York State is bright, and I congratulate Andrew on his promotion to this important new role.”

Prior to NYRA, Offerman served as Sr. Vice President of Racing Operations at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. In this role, he was responsible for the direct oversight of Canterbury’s racing office, wagering, track maintenance, security and other operational departments supporting live and simulcast racing operations.

Offerman was hired directly upon completing his M.S. from the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program in 2010, and became the company’s top racing executive in 2017. Throughout his tenure at Canterbury, Offerman successfully implemented strategies that drove consistent and sustained increases in wagering handle and associated revenue while prioritizing safety and integrity.

“Thoroughbred racing is incredibly important to the culture and economy of New York State,” said Offerman. “And NYRA plays a central role within a broader ecosystem that translates to jobs and opportunity for thousands of New York families. Beyond that core mission, NYRA is responsible for the stewardship of historic races and treasured venues where champions have competed for generations. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the future of this organization at an especially exciting time for NYRA.”

He holds an advisory and governance position with the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) Advisory Committee and previously served in similar capacities with the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America (TRA); American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Racing Committee, and the Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Breeders’ Fund Advisory Committees of the Minnesota Racing Commission.

A native of Minneapolis, Offerman earned an M.S. degree from the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) and holds a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College.