"Normally, we have 18 months to plan, but now we have only 11 months, and the event is at (a first-time host site)," Thayer said. "Jimmy's expertise will come in handy right away."
Jim Gluckson, who has a longtime affiliation with the Breeders' Cup through other companies, has joined the staff of the combined National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Breeders' Cup as director of event communications. He will be based in New York.Gluckson worked for SFX, an agency whose contract with Breeders' Cup Ltd. expired Dec. 31, 2001. Gluckson will be involved in the branding of the "Road to the World Thoroughbred Championships," planning for the Great State Challenge, and will serve as point man for Breeders' Cup press operations.Damon Thayer, vice president-Breeders' Cup and event marketing, said Gluckson will head to Illinois the week of Jan. 7 to begin planning for this year's championships, to be held at Arlington Park in the Chicago suburbs.
