NYRA's Director of Community Relations Appointed to Serve on the Boards of Local Chambers of Commerce

Joanne K. Adams has been appointed to serve on the Board of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce as well as the Elmont Chamber of Commerce. NYRA is delighted to serve the local business communities in their efforts to further economic development while promoting thoroughbred racing and the importance of New York racing to the local economy.

Richard Migliore Joins NYRA as Broadcast Analyst and Racing Office Associate

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced that retired jockey Richard Migliore, who won more than 4,400 races over a career spanning three decades, will join the organization as a broadcast analyst and racing office associate, serving in a number of different roles.

As a broadcast analyst, Migliore will appear on a variety of NYRA TV program offerings. In support of the racing office, the 46-year old New York native will participate in the Apprentice Program, in which he will work with apprentices on riding skills, race strategies, and safe riding practices. Migliore will also help conduct seminars for new and prospective thoroughbred owners to encourage broader participation in the industry, and help NYRA’s community outreach programs by appearing at various local events. Migliore will also continue his current role as a television analyst on HRTV.

“As a native New Yorker and someone who grew up attending and riding at the NYRA tracks, to come back and work here is great,” said Migliore. “It is a very exciting time for New York racing and I’m looking forward to helping the company in a variety of different roles.”

Migliore, who was born in 1964 and grew up on Long Island, got a job on a horse farm near his home and decided he was going to be a jockey at age 12. He began riding in 1980, and in 1981 won the Eclipse Award as the nation’s top apprentice with 298 victories. Twice the leading rider in New York – in 1981 and 1985 – Migliore won or tied as leading rider at 10 different NYRA meets, most recently taking the 2005 Aqueduct spring meet.

“Richard Migliore is a terrific addition to the NYRA team,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “During the course of his 30-year career as a jockey, he displayed innate riding ability and remarkable perseverance. He is extremely well-spoken and can provide unique insight into races, making him a natural to help NYRA’s television, racing, and community outreach efforts.”

A fixture on the NYRA circuit, Migliore announced his retirement on June 2, 2010. “The Mig,” as he was known, rode 4,450 winners of more than $160 million. Some of his biggest victories came later in his career, taking his first Breeders’ Cup race in 2008 aboard Turf Sprint winner Desert Code, and in 2009 capturing the Grade 1 Gazelle and Grade 1 Test aboard Flashing. In all, he won 362 stakes, including 25 Grade 1 races.