Remington Park G.M Resigns

Remington Park's general manager Frank Deal has resigned as head of the state's largest racetrack, The Oklahoman reported Monday.

Deal had been in the position since 1999, shortly before Magna Entertainment acquired the track from the Edward J. DeBartolo Corp on Oct. 21 of that year. He joined Remington Park when it opened in 1988 as director of security.

Eugene Joyce was named interim general manager, and R.D. Logan was named interim assistant manager by Corey Johnsen, the general manager of Lone Star Park near Dallas. Magna is expected to close on the purchase of Lone Star this week, and Johnsen has been acting on the company's behalf regarding racing dates issues that have been before the Oklahoma Racing Commission recently.

On Friday, Johnsen told The Blood-Horse it was premature to discuss his position with Magna until the purchase of Lone Star was completed even though he has been identified as a vice president with the company. He also declined to discuss Deal's future with Remington.

Joyce and Logan worked for Johnsen at Lone Star. Joyce was head of the track's simulcast facility and Logan was director of security.

Deal was the track's third general manager three years ago. David Vance was in charge until 1995, and Patrick Jaynes was general manager until Deal was named. Joyce and Logan visited Remington over the weekend, according to Dale Day, the tracks director of marketing.

"They'll be with us through the end of the season (Dec. 21), and we're happy to have them working with us," Day told The Oklahoman. "As for the track, we'll continue on with the racing season and look forward to the Breeders' Cup and Oklahoma Classics Day events this weekend."