Settlemoir has run Gural’s two New York racetracks, Tioga
& Vernon Downs, since operations began in 2006 and will remain Vice
President of Racing and Sponsorships for both of those properties. The 2006 Lew
Barasch
Breakthrough Award winner, he is the current USHWA Chairman of the Board, a USTA
and HTA
Director and the Simulcast Director/second Race Announcer for The Little Brown
Jug.
“Our focus is on
improving the racing experience for the fans, with emphasis on customer service
and strict attention to detail,” Jason explained. “Jeff’s desire is to
return The Meadowlands
to its rightful position as the greatest harness track in the world and I am
honored and excited to have the opportunity to help him realize that goal. I
have the support of a strong staff we have assembled at Tioga
and Vernon and look forward to working with the existing Meadowlands
employees and New Jersey horsemen. After seven seasons, I know Jeff’s
priorities and how he wants things done at his racetracks.”
Jeff Gural had this comment on the decision; “I’m confident in Jason’s ability
to execute my vision for The New Meadowlands. We share a passion for
racing, realize that the status quo isn’t
working and remain convinced that new ideas and promotions are vital to
racing’s survival. The success that Jason has enjoyed at Tioga
and Vernon along with the experience he has gained and people skills he has
developed while in that position have prepared him well for this next step in
his racetrack management career.”
Settlemoir will spend the next two months cultivating the simulcast business at
both The Meadowlands
and Winners at Bayonne while preparing for the return of live racing at The Meadowlands
on December 28. He will commute between the New York and New Jersey properties
for the near future and may be reached by phone at (201) 460-4025 or (607)
699-7588 and by e-mail at jsettlemoir@tiogadowns.com.
