The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority today announced that horseracing industry leader Bill Knauf will head a new non-profit entity critical to the future of Thoroughbred racing and wagering operations in Maryland.

Following a national search, Knauf has been chosen to serve as the inaugural president and general manager of The Maryland Jockey Club Inc., a new 501(c)(4) organization that will manage and operate Thoroughbred horseracing in Maryland.

An industry professional for more than a quarter century with experience in major events such as the Breeders’ Cup, Knauf currently serves as Vice President of Business Development at Monmouth Park Racetrack in New Jersey, known for its innovative programming and facilities.

“We have found the perfect person to lead Maryland’s groundbreaking efforts to reimagine and renew the racing experience,” said MTROA Chairman Greg Cross. “Bill not only has operating experience, but the knowledge to embrace and deploy cutting-edge technology to increase wagering and profitability.”

The MTROA will continue its role overseeing the restructuring of the Maryland thoroughbred industry and its responsibility for the redevelopment of Pimlico and creation of a new best in class training facility.

Knauf, who will serve as a consultant to MTROA until beginning his new position on Jan. 1, 2025, will also play a key role in the redevelopment of the Pimlico racecourse, which is getting underway, and support the running of the Preakness Stakes.

“Maryland racing has a storied history, and the passion of everyone from horsemen to fans runs deep. I look forward to helping drive the evolution of Pimlico Racecourse and the Preakness,” Knauf said. “I’d like to thank Chairman Greg Cross, Executive Director Marc Broady, Acting CEO Corey Johnsen and the MTROA Board for this exciting and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I also thank Dennis Drazin, Chairman of Monmouth Park, and the great leadership team I worked with for the last 26 years. Monmouth will always remain special to me.”

In 2007, Knauf was the contact with the Breeders’ Cup for the 2007 Championship Day at Monmouth Park.  Most recently, he was directly involved in the presentation of the Haskell Stakes, one of the nation’s top three-year-old races which drew more than 38,000 fans this year.

A native of Schenectady, NY and a graduate of Tufts University and the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program, Knauf began working at Monmouth in 1998, and has held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility, and now oversees all operational areas as well as the sports book for a facility that is a premier racetrack and entertainment destination in the Northeast.

Knauf will become a key leadership figure overseeing newly revised racing operations in Maryland – part of an historic $400 million investment in facilities approved by the Maryland General Assembly and Gov. Wes Moore.

In his new role, in addition to racing and wagering, Knauf will develop and implement plans for catering, entertainment, events and more at Pimlico, helping fulfill a plan intended to create a hub of economic activity in Baltimore’s Park Heights community and create a foundation for the future of Maryland horseracing.

Maryland racing will be conducted at Laurel Park until renovations at Pimlico are complete. However, the 2025 Preakness Stakes – the 150^th running of the race – will be held at Pimlico, and the 2026 event will be held at Laurel.

The MTROA’s plan supports Maryland’s vital equine industry, which accounts for 25% of the state’s agricultural base, roughly 28,000 jobs, and $3 billion in total economic impact.

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