The NTRA is in the process of hiring a wagering security chief, and also could be looking for someone to handle horsemen's relations. Last year, Ben Haggin, vice president of industry relations, left that post to take a job with Reynolds Bell Jr. Thoroughbred Services. Haggin was responsible for raising money from horsemen to support legislative initiatives.
by Tom Precious and Tom LaMarraThe National Thoroughbred Racing Association might be poised to hire former New York Racing Association president Terry Meyocks, industry officials said. It isn't known in what capacity Meyocks would serve if he's hired.When asked if the NTRA had plans to hire Meyocks, commissioner Tim Smith said the organization had no comment at this time. The NTRA board of directors will hold its annual retreat Feb. 26-27 in Florida.An industry official with knowledge of Meyocks' plans told The Blood-Horse it was possible Meyocks would be hired by the NTRA. Meyocks couldn't be reached for comment.Meyocks resigned from his job as NYRA president last year in the wake of a federal and state probe that brought NYRA an indictment, deferred prosecution, and a $3-million fine. Though Meyocks was held out by state officials as ultimately responsible for mismanagement at NYRA, he had his share of supporters."No one knows New York racing like Terry, no one cares about New York racing like Terry, and no one has ever given more of himself to New York racing than Terry Meyocks," NYRA chairman Barry Schwartz said at the time of Meyocks' resignation.
