Dan Bork, a familiar figure to Midwestern horsemen and scion of a prominent family of nationally known racetrack executives, has accepted the post of racing secretary for the 2010 meeting at Gulfstream Park.

            Bill Murphy, President and General Manager of Gulfstream Park, said “Dan certainly has the bloodlines for a great career in racing, but he has more than that: He has proven to us – through his work effort, through his knowledge of the industry and through the positive relationships he has cultivated with horsemen – that he is an up-and-coming star in this business. We’re very happy to have him with us this winter.”

            Todd Pletcher, Gulfstream Park’s leading trainer each of the last six years, said, “Dan Bork? That’s a good choice. I know him well. I think Dan will do a very good job. He’s a sharp guy, he’s had a lot of experience and he is certainly ready for that type of assignment.”

            Mr. Bork, 39, is the son of Bob Bork, President of Sam Houston Race Park, and the nephew of Bill Bork, President of Penn National Gaming and Racing.

            Dan Bork, who grew up in the Philadelphia area, holds a degree in Business Management from Kutztown University in southeastern Pennsylvania.

            He distinguished himself earlier in his career at Turfway Park, Garden State, Atlantic City and Arlington Park, learning the business of racing from not only from family members but also from noted racing officials such as Ben Huffman and the late Howard Battle and Jerry Botts.

            “Dan has good people skills, something very important in his line of work,” said two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Nick Zito. “I’ve recommended him for jobs around the country, so I know he’s a great choice.”

            Mr. Bork currently serves as Racing Secretary at Ellis Park; assistant racing secretary at Keeneland and Churchill Downs and steward at Kentucky Downs. He’s a favorite among Kentucky horsemen.

            “Dan Bork? That’s great news,” said Kenny McPeek, runner-up to Mr. Pletcher in last year’s trainer standings. “It’s a fantastic choice. I am thrilled.

            “It’s a perfect fit.”

            “He is a really good, really nice guy,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. “This is a great opportunity for Dan to get his name associated with Gulfstream Park. I’ve worked with him (at Keeneland) and I know he’ll do a good job.’’

            Mr. Bork said, “My work at Churchill and Keeneland keeps me in contact with the top trainers in the world, and, while I’ve never worked in Florida, I look forward to working with the horsemen there.”

            Sammy Gordon, President of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said “We’ve heard nothing but good things about him and we look forward to working with him. By all accounts it was a solid choice and on behalf of Florida’s horsemen we welcome him to Gulfstream Park.”

            Mr. Bork said, “People who know me will tell you that I’m not one of those ‘It’s my way or the highway’ kind of guys. I need to hear from all horsemen. I need their input. We work together, it’s that simple.

            “And I’m looking forward to working with Bill Murphy, who has an industry-wide reputation for great leadership, and Bernie Hettel (Gulfstream Racing Manager).”

            Mr. Bork is the father of two children: a daughter, Rebecca, 7, and a son, Owen, 5.