Horse owner George Krikorian has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board by Gov. Jerry Brown.
He replaces former CHRB chairman Keith Brackpool, whose term expires July 26, on the seven-member commission. Brackpool resigned in January. Krikorian's appointment returns the board to full membership. It requires Senate confirmation.
Krikorian is president and chief executive officer at Krikorian Premiere Theatres, and president of George Krikorian Stables.
After a successful career in real estate, Krikorian, 67, of Palos Verdes, Calif., opened the first in a chain of more than 100 movie theaters in Southern California, which he would eventually sell to Regal Cinemas. His current enterprise includes a string of upscale movie theaters in Southern California.
Krikorian's interest in racing is natural as the Salem, N.H., native was raised near Rockingham Park. It was there that his late father, George Krikorian Sr., was a trainer and racing fan for many years.
As a multiple graded stakes winning owner, Krikorian has campaigned several top horses, often named to reflect his Hollywood interests. These include graded stakes-placed Box Office Girl; Matriarch Stakes (gr. I) winner Star Billing; Starrer, winner of both the Santa Margarita Invitational and Santa Maria handicaps (both gr. I); and multiple graded stakes winner Hollywood Story, who capured the Hollywood Starlet and Vanity Handicap (both gr. I).
Krikorian was secretary-treasurer of the Thoroughbred Owners of California but resigned his position the day of his appointment to the CHRB.