"With my new corporate responsibilities with Magna Entertainment Corp. I will simply not have the time in the future to devote to the Maryland operations that I have had in the past. Lou Raffetto will be filling the vacuum created by my new responsibilities, thus it is appropriate that he add the title of president to his existing title of chief operating officer."De Francis has assumed responsibility for oversight of XpressBet, MEC's account wagering company, HRTV, MEC's horse racing television channel, MagnaBet and RaceOnTV, MEC's European counterparts to XpressBet and HRTV, MEC's investment in Amtote, a leading provider of tote equipment and services, and MEC's efforts at a corporate level in the areas of information technology, simulcasting, marketing and sponsorship.
Lou Raffetto Jr. was named president and chief operating officer of the Maryland Jockey Club, with Chris Dragone replacing him at the organization that operates Pimlico and Laurel as vice president and general manager.Joe De Francis will remain as chief operating officer while relinquishing the title of president. The Maryland Jockey Club is owned by Magna Entertainment Corp.Raffetto joined the MJC as COO in January 2001. Dragone joined MEC in 2002 as general manager of Great Lakes Downs in Michigan and previously was general manager of Portland Meadows.
