Anifantis New Monmouth Racing Secretary

Michael Anifantis has been named director of racing for Monmouth Park to replace the retiring Mike Dempsey.



Anifantis' relationship with Monmouth dates back to the 1970s. He was assistant racing secretary last season.



"I'm honored to be back at Monmouth and to take the helm in the racing office," said Anifantis, whose first job in racing was as the Monmouth Park claims clerk.  "It's as if my career has now come full circle and I'm thrilled to be back where it all started for me."



That career has seen Anifantis serve 10 years as the racing secretary at Calder Race Course and four years as the track's assistant general manager. Prior to that, Anifantis was racing secretary at Remington Park in Oklahoma and assistant general manager/director of racing at SunRay Park in New Mexico.  He has also served in various capacities as racetracks across the country, including Keeneland and Churchill Downs.



"Mike brings years of experience with him to Monmouth," said Bob Kulina, president of Darby Development LLC, which operates Monmouth. "I've known Mike since he started here and know what an asset he has been and will be to this organization. I look forward to working with him yet again as we continue to bring world class Thoroughbred racing to the Jersey Shore."



Anifantis, currently the racing secretary at Hialeah Park, is expected to start his duties in March 2016, with Monmouth's first live racing date slated for May 14.