Chris McErlean, vice president of Racing for Penn National Gaming was elected the 35th president of the American Thoroughbred Racing Association at its annual Board of Directors’ meeting, held Tuesday at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans.
McErlean, replaced Roy A. Arnold as TRA President, after Arnold had served on the TRA Board since 1998. The TRA Board also elected Craig R. Fravel and re-elected Randall D. Sampson as TRA Vice Presidents. Other new selectees included Scott Wells as TRA Secretary, and re-elected were William I. Fasy, as Treasurer and Christopher N. Scherf as Executive Vice President.
McErlean said, “I am a racing fan and the combination of racing and business has always been my passion. Helping lead the trade organization representing the finest racetracks in North America is indeed an honour. There is no doubt that the business of horse racing is extremely challenged and despite the many issues at our individual local levels, there are common goals and objectives that we all share in attempting to move our businesses forward.”
McErlean certainly brings with him a wealth of experience from Penn National. But even before Penn National, McErlean served 15 years at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in a number of roles before also holding the role of vice-president of racing operations for both Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands.
