Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Sexton has announced that he is leaving his post at Lone Star to become the Executive Vice President of Arlington Park. He will assume his new duties at the Chicago, Illinois-area track on May 7.

"Arlington Park is one of the jewels of our industry," said Sexton in a statement released by Churchill Downs Inc., which owns Arlington. "I look forward to working with them as we build upon this tradition of excellence."

Sexton had been second in command under Corey Johnsen at Lone Star Park since 1994. Previously, he had worked as general manager at Thistledown racetrack in North Randall, Ohio, and as assistant general manager at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, California. He also held marketing posts at Canterbury Downs in Shakopee, Minnesota, and Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

"Steve has done a great job for Lone Star Park," commented Texas Horsemen's Partnership Executive Director Tommy Azopardi. "Our organization has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Steve over the years, and we are sad to see him go. However, he deserves this great opportunity, and we wish him all the best at Arlington Park."

Sexton will be reporting to Arlington President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Mordell. Frank Gabriel, Arlington's vice president of racing operations, will remain in that post and continue overseeing live racing at the track. Jim Stumpf, vice president of off-track operations at Arlington, will continue to manage the track's five OTB sites.

John Long, Churchill executive vice president and chief operating officer, said that the addition of Sexton will allow Mordell to work more closely with Churchill Downs Inc.'s management team on strategic issues that will benefit Illinois racing while Sexton oversees daily track operations.

"Steve's vast experience has prepared him for this important role and makes him a tremendous asset to our team," Mordell said. "With Steve aboard, we are poised to continue the growth needed to expand racing's presence in Chicago."

Lone Star Park has not yet announced its plan regarding a replacement for Sexton.