Magna Names McDaniel Santa Anita President

Magna Entertainment Corp. officially announced Jack McDaniel as new president of Santa Anita Park Tuesday.

McDaniel, who has been director of special programs for Santa Anita Park since January 2003, replaces Jack Liebau, who tendered his resignation from Magna Monday. Liebau oversaw all of Magna California operations and also served on the company's board of directors.

Liebau's resignation was first reported in the Los Angeles Times and later confirmed by Magna.

Prior to arriving at Santa Anita, McDaniel was for several years a consultant to MEC on a variety of matters related to facilities development and marketing. He is a 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry, where he has overseen major projects for Universal Studios, MCA, and 20th Century Fox. Since starting his own company in 1994, McDaniel has designed major attractions for Paramount Parks, the New York Mets, Nickelodeon and others.

McAlpine noted that: "In his new position Jack McDaniel will be supported by Santa Anita's management team of Chris McCarron, George Haines, Mike Ziegler, and others. Collectively, this team has tremendous experience in the horse racing, entertainment and hospitality businesses. I am confident that they are capable of taking Santa Anita to the next level as a world class horse racing and entertainment facility."

McAlpine also stated: "On behalf of the Board of Directors of MEC, I would like to thank Jack Liebau for his leadership in California and contributions to our Board deliberations over the last three years. We hope he enjoys a long and well-deserved retirement."