Sam Houston Race Park, which opened in April, 1994 as the first Class I racetrack in Texas, has announced changes to its management team, effective March 29, 2007.

Robert L. Bork, who joined Sam Houston Race Park as Senior Vice-President and General Manager in 1995, was elevated to the position of Vice Chairman of Sam Houston Race Park. Bork, who has over 35 years of leadership experience in the racing industry, will shift his role to legislative efforts, Sam Houston Race Park’s bid to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2009 or 2010 and the development of the newly acquired Class II racetrack in Laredo, Texas. In addition, Bork was elected president of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) in March, 2007 and will continue to work with racetrack executives across the country in creating programs and services to benefit the 43 member associations affiliated with TRA.

“I look forward to serving as Vice Chairman of Sam Houston Race Park,” said Bork. “I have been spending a great deal of time on legislation for VLTs at licensed racetracks in Texas. That is an important goal for us and I will lead a team to aggressively pursue the opportunity to host the Breeders’ Cup at Sam Houston Race Park. We feel that as the fourth largest city in the country that we could host an outstanding event.”

Shawn Hurwitz, Vice Chairman of the Board of MAXXAM Inc, will take on the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Sam Houston Race Park. He currently serves as President and CEO of MAXXAM Property Company (“MPC”), a real estate development company, whose primary business is community development and related real estate investment. MAXXAM Property Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MAXXAM Inc.

"Horse racing is our core and an integral part of our business,” said Hurwitz. “We feel strongly that there is tremendous growth opportunity at our racetrack. Our next phase will be to develop a new concert venue which will enable us to capture more of the Houston entertainment market and help Sam Houston Race Park attract an even bigger fan base.”

Andrea Bouchey Young will join Sam Houston Race Park as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. The 28-year-old executive has been affiliated with the Houston Rockets organization since 2000. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Young began her tenure with the Houston Rockets as a special projects coordinator and moved quickly up the corporate ladder with a promotion to manager of business development shortly thereafter. She played an integral role of the opening of the Toyota Center in 2003, serving as the Director of Event Booking and Marketing. Young’s biggest accomplishment in her career was her tenure as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Houston Comets in 2006. In addition to her career accomplishments, she gave birth to her first child just 10 weeks ago, a son named Harper.

“I am excited about this opportunity with Sam Houston Race Park,” said Young. “With a first class facility, it is already one of the top sports and entertainment venues in Houston. Horse racing is a thrilling sport and will continue to be the main attraction, but I have received a solid commitment from MAXXAM to grow and develop our business into many new and exciting areas.”

The 2006/2007 Sam Houston Race Park Thoroughbred meeting continues through Saturday, April 7. The final evening will be highlighted by the running of the Grade III Connally Breeders’ Cup Turf as well as two additional turf stakes. Sam Houston Race Park remains open for simulcasting 364 days each year with special attention and promotion of the Triple Crown races, beginning with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5. Live American Quarter Horse racing is set for June 29 - September 8, 2007.