Racing secretary Mike Lakow returns to NYRA, Saratoga roles

Mike Lakow has been hired to serve as racing secretary for all meets at Aqueduct Racetrack, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced Thursday. In addition, Lakow has been named the associate racing secretary for the 2018 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course.

With more than four decades of national and international experience as both a racing secretary and official, Lakow will assume responsibilities beginning with the 2018 summer meet at Saratoga. Lakow previously served as NYRA racing secretary from 1993-2005.

"With Mike's hire, and the addition of Pat Pope at Belmont Park, NYRA has now filled out our racing office with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable officials involved in the game today," said Martin Panza, NYRA's Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. "Their collective experience, combined with the talent that exists in the office, will serve our horsemen and women well moving forward." 

"I've been fortunate to have held a number of interesting roles in virtually all sides of racing, including breeding and sales, overseas racing and thoroughbred aftercare," said Lakow. "To be able to return to NYRA at this stage in my career is a wonderful opportunity and I am looking forward to once again working with the talented horsemen and exceptional employees at NYRA."

NYRA announced Pope's hiring on March 24 as racing secretary for the Belmont Park spring/summer and fall meets.

The current Belmont Park spring/summer meet continues through Sunday, July 15.

The 2018 summer meet at Saratoga, which includes 69 stakes worth $18.8 million in purses, will run from Friday, July 20, through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. After opening weekend, racing will be conducted six days a week, Wednesdays through Mondays.