(Edited press release)
Thomas Knust has been named racing secretary for the 71st live racing meet at Fairplex Park held during the annual Los Angeles County Fair in September, announced Mike Seder, association vice president and chief financial officer.
Knust has had 35 years experience in the Thoroughbred racing industry, most recently as a jockey agent for such racing luminaries as Kent Desormeaux, Jose Valdivia Jr., John Court, Corey Nakatani, Patrick Valenzuela, and Clinton Potts.
Knust has also been racing secretary at Santa Anita Park, Oak Tree, Del Mar, Canterbury Downs, and numerous fair meetings in California. He has also held positions of placing judge, patrol judge, and clerk at Santa Anita and served as stable superintendent at both Santa Anita and Del Mar.
Among Knust’s responsibilities are developing the stakes and overnights race program for Fairplex Park, recruiting horses before and during the race meet, and supervising racing office staff. Knust resides in Glendora with his wife, Penny.
The 2009 L.A. County Fair horse racing meet is Sept. 10-28. The 16-day meeting will open Sept. 10 and be closed Sept. 14, and subsequent Tuesdays. For fair and racing information, visit www.lacountyfair.com.
