James Lages named chief steward in Delaware

From a Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission release

Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission Chairman W. Duncan Patterson announced January 18 that the Commission has promoted James A. Lages to the position of Chief State Steward. Mr. Lages who has worked for the Delaware Commission for the past two years fills the void left when longtime Chief Steward, G. Jack Houghton, Jr. retired at the end of the 2017 live racing season.

“Mr. Lages has earned the respect of the Commission and his co-workers during his time in Delaware,” stated Chairman Patterson. “His experience as a racing official and former participation as a jockey gives him a field-level perspective of the industry that will be beneficial to the Commission.”

James Lages has served as a State Steward in New Jersey, Florida, Illinois and Minnesota. He has also been a racing official in Kentucky.

John F. Wayne, the DTRC Executive Director, advised that Mr. Lages has done a very good job since coming aboard from Canterbury Park where he was highly respected by his fellow racing regulators. His work ethic and professionalism is what the Delaware Commission deserves and expects, and Mr. Lages fits that criteria.

The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission regulates and oversees the sport of Thoroughbred and Arabian racing in the state.