NYRA Appoints New President, CEO

ALBANY, New York – As reported by the Albany Times Union: "The New York Racing Association Thursday appointed a new president and chief executive officer with a short timetable to turn things around for the financially ailing operator of the state's top three thoroughbred tracks.

"Charles Hayward, former president of Daily Racing Form, was hired at $370,000 a year through Dec. 31, 2007, when NYRA's state franchise on the Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct racetracks expires.

"Hayward and NYRA trustees vowed to show lawmakers and Gov. George Pataki that NYRA deserves a franchise extension as well as legislation to improve the chances of a VLT casino at Aqueduct.

"Hayward, 54, said he is serious about his new role at the criminally indicted NYRA.

"…He said he will work on returning NYRA to profitability and improve relations with other track operators and horsemen. Hayward, who previously served as the top executive of publishing house Little Brown and the Racing Form, also said he will work with openness…"