TRPB Promotes Linnell, Elects New Directors

J. Curtis Linnell was appointed vice president of wagering analysis and operations for the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau at its board meeting Aug. 7 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.



Linnell, who has been with the TRPB for 10 years, will be responsible for the organization's activities. He will report to the executive vice president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America, TRPB's parent company.

Prior to joining TRPB, the University of Saskatchewan graduate was employed by Hastings Park and Marquis Downs in a variety of positions that included mutuel manager, director of operations, and director of simulcasting and technical services. Formerly, he was a vice president of Racetracks of Canada, and alternate director of the TRA.

TRPB chairman John E. Mooney said, "Curtis Linnell is very deserving of this promotion and advancement at TRPB. He has been overseeing the due diligence review processes for account wagering companies, the development of tote security system, and many other operations of the TRPB, especially since the retirement of Frank Fabian."

The TRA board of directors elected E. Brian Hansberry and Eric Halstrom as directors and Randall D. Sampson, David O'Rourke, and Eric M. Johnston as alternate directors at its regular board meeting Aug. 8 in Saratoga Springs.  

Hansberry was elected director representing Finger Lakes and Halstrom is to represent Canterbury Park, replacing Sampson, who moved to alternate. O'Rourke was elected alternate representing New York Racing Association and Johnston, previously alternate for Sam Houston Race Park, was elected alternate for Penn National.

The TRA board also heard reports from Equibase president Hank Zeitlin and Racing Medication and Testing Consortium executive director Dr. Dionne Benson.

Benson said by the end of 2014 she expects the policy of 26 approved therapeutic medications to be adopted in 17 states. accounting for almost 80% of U.S. annual handle.