Ziegler to Head Racing for Churchill Tracks

Churchill Downs Inc. announced Jan. 16 that Mike Ziegler has been named to its new post of executive director of racing. Ziegler will assume his position Jan. 26 and will report directly to CDI president Bill Mudd.

As CDI's executive director of racing, Ziegler will focus on and support the company's commitment to the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.

"Mike has long been a credible and knowledgeable voice within the racing industry and we look forward to him bringing his wisdom and insight as he takes on this new role at CDI," Mudd said. "The industry is continuously changing and bringing new challenges, and Mike's role will be important to the continued success of our company's racing operations and its legacy."

Ziegler will be responsible for championing CDI initiatives to enhance the racing and breeding industry and will serve as a representative and liaison between CDI and the industry.

Ziegler comes to CDI with nearly 20 years of industry experience. He has served since 2009 as the executive director of the Safety and Integrity Alliance for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, where he has overseen self-regulatory efforts to enact substantive improvements in safety and integrity in the racing industry.

"We thank Mike for the instrumental role he played in the successful launch and growth of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance and wish him the best of luck in the future," NTRA president Alex Waldrop said.

Prior to his work at the NTRA, Ziegler served as senior vice president for YouBet.com (2008-09), vice president for Hollywood Park Racing Association (2005-08), vice president and general manager for Bay Meadows Racing Association (2004-08), vice president for Bay Meadows Operating Company Properties (1995-2008), and vice president and general manager for Santa Anita Park (2001-04). He was also the executive director for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance from 2012-13.