Patrick Mackey has been named as racing secretary at Golden Gate Fields and will begin his duties in mid-May.
He replaces David Jerkens, who earlier this year accepted the racing secretary position at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
Mackey served as assistant racing secretary for the New York Racing Association from 2010-12 after holding the same position at Arlington Park and Gulfstream Park. He is set to arrive at Golden Gate March 27 and will a work with Jerkens for six weeks before Jerkens departs for Southern California.
The 36-year-old Mackey comes from a racing family. His late father, Michael, served as general manager at several tracks, including Thistledown, Hialeah Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and Detroit Race Course. His late grandfather, Oscar Mackey, was a steward, starter, and trainer.
Mackey began his career in racing in 1998, working as a racing official at Hialeah Park, Atlantic City Race Course, Great Barrington Fair, and Northampton Fair. Before joining NYRA, he served as assistant racing secretary at five tracks: Great Lake Downs (1999), Fair Meadows (2000), Gulfstream Park (2007-2009), Hawthorne Race Course (2009-2010), and Arlington Park (2009-2010).
"Patrick's in-depth knowledge, experience and passion for the industry will prove extremely beneficial to Golden Gate going forward," said Tom Ludt, senior vice president of racing and gaming for parent company The Stronach Group.
"I'm very excited and thrilled about the opportunity," said Mackey. "I've always wanted to be a racing secretary and have been looking for the right fit. This is the right fit, and I thank The Stronach Group for giving me this chance."
