Maryland Jockey Club Names Danny Finke Interim Track Superintendent

The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) has appointed Danny Finke, a long-time member of its track maintenance team, as the Interim Track Superintendent at Laurel Park following the retirement of Ken Brown.

MJC Acting President Mike Rogers announced the leadership change in a press release and during the December 3 Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) meeting, stating that Brown retired on December 1. Brown, who returned to Laurel Park in the fall of 2023 after many years away, previously served as Track Superintendent at Colonial Downs in Virginia.

Rogers commended Brown for his significant contributions to Maryland racing during a challenging period:

“Ken Brown’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating the MJC through a challenging period and raising the standard of our racing surfaces. As we prepare for his well-earned retirement, we are confident in Danny Finke’s ability to lead during this transitional period. Danny’s experience and dedication ensure that Maryland’s racing operations remain strong and seamless.”

Danny Finke’s Legacy of Experience

Finke brings over 40 years of experience with the MJC to his new role. Over the years, he has worked alongside notable Maryland track superintendents, including John Passero and Glen Kozak, gaining extensive knowledge of track maintenance and operations.

Preparing for the Transition to a New Era

Looking ahead, Bill Knauf, who will take over as the first President and General Manager of the not-for-profit Maryland Jockey Club when it assumes operational control from 1/ST Racing (The Stronach Group) on January 1, 2025, indicated that a search for a permanent Track Superintendent is already underway.

“We started a nationwide search for a winter-weather superintendent,” Knauf said. “This is a high priority for the new operating entity. We are looking for a person who fits our racetrack.”

Knauf also assured MRC members that all current employees would retain their jobs during the transition.

Focus on Track Surface Improvements

The December 3 racing commission meeting also included a detailed discussion about the dirt surface at Laurel Park, where live racing resumed on November 28 after three cancellations the previous weekend.

In preparation for winter conditions, approximately 600 tons of material have been added to the surface over the past three weeks. However, concerns remain regarding the material’s ability to bind properly when exposed to moisture.

Konrad Wayson, a Thoroughbred owner and MRC member, and trainer Gary Capuano expressed concerns about the surface’s performance. Rogers confirmed that members of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory will visit Laurel on December 4 with a biomechanical hoof tester. This specialized tool simulates the impact and weight distribution of a horse’s front legs on the track, providing critical data to inform ongoing improvements.

As Maryland racing navigates this transitional period, the MJC’s commitment to safety and operational excellence remains a top priority under its new leadership.

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