NYRA names Keith Doleshel racing secretary for Aqueduct Racetrack

by NYRA Press Office

Keith Doleshel has been promoted to the role of Racing Secretary for Aqueduct Racetrack, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced today. Doleshel will assume his duties immediately.

A graduate of the University of Arizona's Racetrack Industry Program, Doleshel joined NYRA in 2017 and previously served as the Assistant Racing Secretary for Belmont Park and Aqueduct. He is a licensed racing official with experience in a variety of roles within NYRA's racing operations.

Pat Pope will continue as racing secretary for the Belmont spring/summer and fall meets. Robert Driscoll will serve as assistant racing secretary for both Pope and Doleshel.

"We are pleased to be able to promote from within the racing department at NYRA. Both Keith and Rob have really excelled and learned a great deal since joining the office and we're pleased to be helping our racing office staff develop into future leaders of NYRA racing," said Martin Panza, NYRA's Senior Vice President of Racing Operations.

Doleshel said he is looking forward to continuing to work with New York's horsemen and women at Aqueduct.

"Aqueduct is an important part of racing in New York," Doleshel said. "We're lucky to work with horsemen and women whose commitment, skill and dedication are unmatched in the sport. That is evidenced every year at Aqueduct and it's an honor to be a part of it."

The current Belmont Park fall meet continues through Sunday, October 27 before live racing shifts to Aqueduct Racetrack beginning Friday, November 1.

The Aqueduct fall meet will now offer 27 stakes worth $5 million in purses, including the inaugural four-day NYRA Thanksgiving Racing Festival featuring 11 stakes worth $1.9 million in purse money. The festival runs from Thanksgiving Day, November 28 through Sunday, December 1.

The highlight of the revised Aqueduct fall meeting will be the Cigar Mile Racing Festival, which begins on Thursday, December 5. Highlighted by four graded races worth $1.5 million in purse money, the festival anchors the final weekend of the fall meet which concludes on Sunday, December 8.

About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic impact to the State.

Over the course of 219 days of live racing in 2018, NYRA generated more than $2.1 billion in all-sources wagering handle with paid attendance exceeding 1.7 million for the fifth consecutive year.