Huffman Named Keeneland Racing Secretary

Keeneland Association announced Tuesday that Ben Huffman has been appointed racing secretary. Huffman, the son of trainer William (Blackie) Huffman, succeeds Howard Battle, who will serve as Keeneland's stakes director. Huffman has been Battle's assistant since 1994. He currently is racing secretary at Ellis Park, assistant racing secretary at Turfway Park, and a placing judge at Churchill Downs.

"Ben Huffman is a talented, young racing official who has gained valuable experience at high profile race meetings like Keeneland, Churchill Downs and Saratoga," said Keeneland director of racing Rogers Beasley. "We're confident he will maintain and improve on the outstanding racing programs presented at Keeneland during Howard Battle's tenure."

"I'm truly honored to have been chosen for the position," said Huffman. "I feel like Howard prepared me to take over when he retired and it's reassuring to know he'll still be around to offer his expertise."

Previous to beginning his career in the racing office management, Huffman attended Western Kentucky University and the University of Louisville and was an assistant to his father for three years.

Huffman said that Allison DeLuca will be his assistant and Dan Bork will be the stakes coordinator.