NYRA hires Churchill Downs head starter Scott Jordan

The New York Racing Association announced Monday the appointment of Scott Jordan to the position of head starter.

Jordan joins NYRA from Churchill Downs, where he had served as the head starter since 2006. He will assume his NYRA responsibilities May 23 pending relevant licensing.

Jordan has more than 20 years of experience as a head starter and a leader in track operations. In addition to his tenure at Churchill Downs, Jordan has worked in a variety of roles at Keeneland, Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs.

“Scott Jordan’s vast experience and knowledge made him the ideal candidate for this position, which is vitally important to NYRA’s racing operations,” said NYRA senior vice president of racing and operations Andrew Offerman. “Beyond his skills in and around the starting gate, Scott is a proven leader dedicated to enhancing safety and preserving the integrity of racing.”

In addition to managing NYRA’s team of assistant starters and starting gate operations at Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga, the head starter works closely with trainers and riders to prepare horses for the starting gate during morning training hours.