Call Now, the parent company of Retama Park, announced today the retirement of William M. Allen as chairman and chief executive officer and Robert C. Buffkin as president and director.
Christopher J. Hall and Thomas R. Johnson have been elected as directors and Johnson has been elected as president and CEO. Bryan Brown and William Allen will continue serving as directors.
Allen has signed a three-year consulting agreement with the company and agreed to sell a portion of his Call Now stock to Hall who will become the largest individual shareholder. Allen will remain the company's second-largest shareholder.
"I am confident that Chris and Tom Johnson will bring a new energy into our operations and prospects," Allen said. "I am pleased that Chris and Tom have made this commitment to Call Now and this will enable Bob Buffkin and I to withdraw from day-to-day operations with confidence in the future."
Buffkin has purchased Call Now's Andice Development subsidiary, which owns vacant land in Georgetown, Texas.
At Delaware Park, Sam Abbey has been appointed racing secretary and John Rooney, the vice president of finance, announced his retirement.
Abbey has worked 26 years in the racing industry and has 13 years of experience as a racing secretary. His most recent position was with Hialeah Park. Abbey also worked for Monmouth Park, Meadowlands, and Atlantic City Race Course.
"Sam has a reputation of being straight forward and disciplined," said Bill Fasy, Delaware Park's chief operating officer.
Rooney, also known as Mr. Delaware Park because of his 44 consecutive years of service to the track, is retiring.
Rooney started working at Delaware Park as the assistant treasurer in 1957. Since then he has held various positions including treasurer, vice-president of racing, and Steward.
"He has been through the highs and lows of Delaware Park," Fasy said. "The key to his longevity is that he genuinely loves Delaware Park and the sport. Consequently, I am sure we will be seeing him frequently at Delaware Park as a fan."
