Mike Lakow to Oversee Gulfstream Park Racing Operations

The Stronach Group announced today that Mike Lakow has been appointed vice president of racing operations at Gulfstream Park.

Lakow brings extensive knowledge and experience to Gulfstream Park and its world-renowned racing program in all facets of the industry. Most recently he served as Racing Secretary for the New York Racing Association at Saratoga Race Course and for all meets at Aqueduct Racetrack. 

Lakow takes over the position formerly held by Bill Badgett, who has accepted a position with the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

"I'm thankful to The Stronach Group for offering me the opportunity to return home and join Gulfstream Park, which was my favorite racetrack when I started in the Thoroughbred industry," Lakow said. "Gulfstream has unlimited potential and has so much to offer for the racing fan and horseman year-round."

Lakow's valuable and varied experience in Thoroughbred racing includes serving as President and CEO of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, General Manager at Hill 'n' Dale Farms, jockey agent for Hall of Fame rider Javier Castellano, and working as a steward in Florida and for the Emirates Racing Authority. He has been a voting member on a number of committees, including Breeders' Cup Selection, Graded Stakes, North American Ratings and Experimental Weights.

"We're extremely pleased to welcome Mike to The Stronach Group and Gulfstream Park," said Tim Ritvo, COO of The Stronach Group. "Mike's expertise in Thoroughbred racing and his credibility with horsemen will make Gulfstream's year-round product even stronger. We're very fortunate to have someone of Mike's caliber running Gulfstream's racing program."

Lakow originally served as racing secretary in New York from 1993-2005 and was racing director at Santa Anita Park from 2013-2014.