In 1984, Willmot became a Board member of the Ontario Jockey Club, predecessor of the Woodbine Entertainment Group, and its CEO in 1995. He serves on the board of several industry organizations, including the Breeders' Cup, and is a steward of The Jockey Club of Canada. He also is a former president of the Harness Tracks of America, 2000-02. The Board also re-elected Robert L. Bork as secretary, William I. Fasy as treasurer, and Christopher N. Scherf as executive vice president. Bork has more than 30 years background in racetrack management and is currently Sam Houston Race Park's president and general manager. Fasy is the chief operating officer of Delaware Park and Ocean Downs and has more than 20 years experience in the hospitality and entertainment business. Scherf has been the TRA executive vice president since 1988.
Corey S. Johnsen, president of Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and Remington Park, was elected the 32nd president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) at its annual board of directors' meeting Thursday at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, Calif. Johnsen succeeded Del Mar Thoroughbred Club president Joe Harper at the conclusion of his two-year term as TRA president.The TRA is a trade organization of 43 North American racetracks and associations whose races generate more than 75% of the $15.1 billion wagered annually on North American Thoroughbred racing.Johnsen has more than 25 years experience as a racetrack manager and marketer. His career in racing is highlighted by his leadership roles in the successful openings of two new racetracks, Remington Park in Oklahoma City and Lone Star Park in Texas.Under Johnsen's guidance, Lone Star Park, built in 1997 and now owned by Magna Entertainment Corp., has grown into a major player on the world's racing stage. Lone Star hosted the 21st Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on October 30.Johnsen also played a pivotal role in the development, construction, and opening of Remington Park, becoming its general manager in 1992. He also has worked at Arlington Park, Turf Paradise, and Louisiana Downs, where his 30-minute production, "Ride Like The Wind," garnered Eclipse Award honors for best local television production in 1986. The TRA Board of Directors also elected C. Kenneth Dunn, president of Calder Race Course, and David S. Willmot, chairman and chief executive officer of Woodbine Entertainment Group, as vice presidents. Dunn has served as the president or general manager of major racetracks across the country since 1976, when he was named vice president and general manager of Atlantic City Race Course. Dunn, who was also general manager for Fair Grounds in New Orleans and president of the new Arlington International Race Course, has worked at Calder since 1990.