Keith Doleshel Announced as Aqueduct Racing Secretary

Keith Doleshel has been promoted to racing secretary for Aqueduct Racetrack, the New York Racing Association announced Oct. 12.

A graduate of the University of Arizona's Racetrack Industry Program, Doleshel joined NYRA in 2017 and served as assistant racing secretary for Belmont Park and Aqueduct. He is a licensed racing official with experience in a variety of roles within NYRA's racing operations.

Pat Pope will continue as racing secretary for Belmont's spring/summer and fall meets. Robert Driscoll will serve as assistant racing secretary for both Pope and Doleshel.

"We are pleased to be able to promote from within the racing department at NYRA. Both Keith and Rob have really excelled and learned a great deal since joining the office, and we're pleased to be helping our racing office staff develop into future leaders of NYRA racing," said Martin Panza, NYRA's senior vice president of racing operations.

Doleshel said he is looking forward to continuing to work with New York's horsemen and women at Aqueduct.

"Aqueduct is an important part of racing in New York," Doleshel said. "We're lucky to work with horsemen and women whose commitment, skill, and dedication are unmatched in the sport. That is evidenced every year at Aqueduct, and it's an honor to be a part of it."

The Belmont Park fall meet continues through Oct. 27 before live racing shifts to Aqueduct Nov. 1 for a meet with 27 stakes worth $5 million, including the inaugural four-day NYRA Thanksgiving Racing Festival featuring 11 stakes worth $1.9 million. The festival runs from Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, through Dec. 1.

The highlight of the revised Aqueduct fall meeting will be the Cigar Mile Racing Festival, beginning Dec. 5. Highlighted by four graded races worth $1.5 million, the festival anchors the final weekend of the fall meet, which concludes Dec. 8.