Lipkin to Retire From Penn National at Year's End

Fred Lipkin, director of marketing at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, plans to retire at the end of the year after a 44-year run at the Grantville, Pa., track.

Lipkin, 71, announced his retirement effective Jan.1, 2019.

"It's been an amazing ride, one that I could never have imagined when I left New York to come to central Pennsylvania," Lipkin said.

Lipkin came to the 1-year-old Penn National Race Course in December 1973 after serving as assistant director of public relations and publicity at Monticello Raceway. His racing duties covered a wide range—publicity, public relations, advertising, and a 10-year stint as track announcer in the evenings along with his daytime responsibilities. 

"I had the opportunity to meet and work with so many of the biggest names in the sport, legends like Willie Shoemaker, Angel Cordero Jr., Steve Cauthen, and Chris McCarron all having ridden and done promotional work with us at Penn National," Lipkin said. "But, to me, the biggest thrill was announcing the two races that John Henry ran in at our track in 1978 (and 1979). To think that racing's first $6 million winner campaigned here, it was amazing."

Lipkin returned to the announcer's booth Dec. 26, when he called the first race as a fitting conclusion to his long career.

When the original Penn National Race Course was razed and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course was built and opened in February 2008, Lipkin was named director of marketing for the racing and gaming complex. He was elevated to his current position as vice president of marketing in February 2017.

He has continued as the venue's spokesperson and added host duties for the track's nationally televised broadcast of the $500,000 Penn Mile Stakes (G2T) that takes place each spring. He will likely continue in that role as a special guest host.

"No doubt, the best part of my years here have been the people that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with. Life is all about relationships and how we can each contribute to enrich the lives of our friends and family," Lipkin said. "My three siblings and I were raised in the shadow of Belmont Park, but now my family numbers in the thousands from all the wonderful people I have met."