EXPERT U.S. RACING ADVICE FOR BETFAIR
Sunday November 27,2011 : Strategic advIce and influential connections will flow from new consultant
Betfair's US horseracing subsidiary Television Games Network has strengthened its position in the American racing sector with the appointment of Hal Handel as a special consultant charged with providing strategic advice on the company's advance wagering business, and with liaison with key stakeholders in the U.S. racing industry, particularly those on the East Coast, assisting TVG in its efforts to bring exchange wagering and other products to the U.S.
The Thoroughbred Times reported Saturday that Handel, a longtime racing industry executive who most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the New York Racing Association, has joined Television Games Network.
TVG President Stephen Burn said: “Hal has been a leading racing industry figure for more than three decades and during that time has been instrumental in the success of several major racing organizations. He brings a proven track record and a wealth of industry knowledge to our company. I look forward to working with Hal as TVG moves forward into the next phase of our development.”
Handel’s tenure at NYRA began in September 2007 and concluded in August this year. He was involved with all areas of the company’s operation, including facilities, horsemen relations, simulcasting, marketing, and customer service. He played a key role in the development of the Aqueduct’s gaming facility, which opened in October.
Prior to joining NYRA, Handel was chief executive officer of Greenwood Racing, then operator of Philadelphia Park, now Parx Racing. Previously, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority’s operations at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.
Handel is a former New Jersey deputy attorney general. He began his racing industry career in 1977 as counsel to the New Jersey Racing Commission before becoming the commission’s executive director.
He has also served in several other racing industry leadership positions, including as a trustee of the American Horse Council, chairman of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, and president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations.
