The new York Racing Association accepted the resignation of trustee Wayne Barr Jr. at the board's regularly scheduled meeting May 3 at Belmont Park.The resignation came as the board officially welcomed new trustees Leonard Riggio and Dennis Dammerman.Barr resigned on May 2, citing a conflict of interest.
"Wayne felt that, because his business partner is a driving force behind Empire Racing Associates that he should resign from the board," said C. Steven Duncker, chairman of NYRA's Board of Trustees. Barr is president of Capital & Technology Advisors, Inc., a management and consulting firm that specializes in telecommunications and technology. He co-founded the firm with Jared Abbruzzese Sr., a member of Empire.
Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Dammerman, former vice chairman of General Electric, joined NYRA's board in March.Charles E. Hayward, NYRA president and CEO and a former board member, also returned to the board in March.