Ellis Park names Baley Hare as new racing secretary
Baley Hare, an experienced racing official and third-generation horseman, has been named racing secretary at Ellis Park. He succeeds Dan Bork, who will transition to the same role at Colonial Downs, a Churchill Downs property in Virginia.
Hare has spent more than a decade in various racing office roles across Kentucky and has been a consistent presence on racing teams at CDI properties. A native of Illinois, Hare grew up in the industry alongside his father, Scott, a former jockey and longtime jockey agent, and his mother, Darcy, a former trainer. Before working in racing offices across Kentucky, Hare was a racing official in Louisiana and Texas.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity and appreciate the confidence from our team in naming me to this role,” Hare said. “Ellis Park has always held a special place in Kentucky racing, and it’s exciting to build on the strong, year-round racing product we have across the state.”
In addition to his new duties at Ellis Park, Hare will continue in his role at Churchill Downs, where he serves as paddock judge and racing official during the spring, september and fall meets.
“Baley has worked hard to get to this position,” said Ben Huffman, vice president of racing for Churchill Downs. “He’s earned the respect of horsemen and officials alike, and I’m confident he’ll do an excellent job leading the racing office at Ellis Park.”
Bork, who has served as racing secretary at Ellis Park since 2006, praised Hare’s growth and readiness for the position.
“I wouldn’t leave this position in anyone else’s hands besides Baley,” Bork said. “Over the past several years, we’ve worked hand in hand managing entries and coordinating the day-to-day racing operation. With Ellis Park and Colonial Downs both operating as top-tier summer circuits, I know we’ll continue to support each other and the broader goals of our racing program.”
Hare will release the Ellis Park condition book in the coming days for the summer season, which begins July 3.