Migliore to Leave Position at NYRA TV

Richard Migliore is leaving his position at NYRA TV following the July 8 card at Belmont Park, the retired jockey and current racing analyst announced June 16.

Migliore has worked for the New York Racing Association since 2011, following a distinguished career as a jockey based mostly on the NYRA circuit.   

"I'd like to first thank NYRA for providing me with this wonderful opportunity after my riding days were over. I am so proud to have been a part of one of the best TV teams in horse racing, and I look forward to seeing NYRA TV's continued success as a viewer," Migliore said. "After spending so much of my life here at these racetracks, this is certainly a bittersweet moment and one I have considered for quite some time. The best thing for me and my family right now is to strike a better balance between spending time on the farm in Millbrook with my family and working in the industry I love."

Migliore, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., has been a NYRA mainstay for almost four decades, starting as an exercise rider and backstretch worker before transitioning to the jockey colony. He began riding on the NYRA circuit in 1980, and in 1981 won the Eclipse Award as the nation's top apprentice. Crowned as the leading rider in New York in 1981 and 1985, Migliore also won or tied as leading rider at 10 different NYRA meets before his retirement in June of 2010. 

From 1980-2010, Migliore rode more than 4,000 winners with more than 3,900 wins on the NYRA circuit. Nicknamed "The Mig" after the Russian fighter jets for his tireless riding style, Migliore was honored with the Mike Venezia Award in 2003 and the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 2008. 

Since joining NYRA TV in 2011, Migliore has provided daily analysis during both the NYRA simulcast as well as the nationally televised Saratoga Live and Belmont Live broadcasts. Migliore, who resides on a farm in Millbrook, N.Y., with his wife Carmela and four children, was also head of the apprentice jockey program and hosted the popular new owners' luncheons during his time with NYRA.

"On behalf of the men and women of the New York Racing Association, I'd like to thank Richie for all his years of dedicated service to NYRA and horse racing," said NYRA president and chief executive officer Chris Kay. "In addition to his obvious talents on the racetrack and in front of the camera, Richie worked to introduce new owners to the game and educate apprentice jockeys to make them safer riders. He will always be a tremendous advocate for our game, and respected member of the NYRA family. We wish 'The Mig' the very best in his future endeavors."

"Richie has been an instrumental part of making Saratoga Live and Belmont Live a success out of the gate," said Tony Allevato, president of NYRA Bets and NYRA TV executive producer. "He brought experience, energy, and respected insights to the broadcast. We will miss him."