MGC is excited to announce that the 2013 racing season is set to begin at Plainridge Racecourse on April 15! Today the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) in conjunction with its Racing Division named Daniel Fick as Associate Commission Steward, effective May 13th. Fick is a nationally-established and accredited steward who has 30 years of horse racing experience.

The Commission has a total of three stewards, one steward is appointed by the racetrack, and must be approved by the Commission and licensed as a racing official; and two stewards are appointed by the Commission. Mr. Fick joins Ms. Susan Walsh, who will be returning to her long-time role as Chief Steward for the Commission.

MGC’s Director of Racing, Jennifer Durenberger, stated: “The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is privileged to have a long-time industry contributor of Mr. Fick’s caliber join us as we continue to strengthen our regulatory structure in anticipation of increased monies for purses related to casino gaming.  Mr. Fick’s depth of experience with model medication rules is a particularly timely addition in light of the new regulations recently adopted by the Commission.”

Prior to becoming a steward, Fick served in several high-profile positions in the horse racing industry such as:  CEO and Chairman of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, Executive Director and Vice President of the Jockey Club and has held numerous national industry board and committee memberships, including: Stewards’ Advisory Council for the Racetrack Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP); Advisory Council for the Racetrack Industry Program (RTIP); and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance.

Fick is a ROAP Accredited Steward and has served as a steward in Indiana, Kentucky, and most recently, Iowa Fick has also served as the Director of Racing and Racing Secretary at Remington Park in Oklahoma City.

Stewards are present at the racetrack each day on which there is racing, and they oversee everything from occupational licensing, to the drawing of post positions, to making the results of every race official. In addition, the stewards preside over all hearings conducted at the track and report their rulings and findings to the Commission.

After observing every race, both live and on television monitors, stewards are responsible for marking the order of finish as the horses cross the finish line. Stewards are critical in the chain of individuals who ensure compliance for all rules and regulations at the racetrack. Stewards are also responsible for determining penalties for violations, imposing sanctions and monitoring the conduct of all licensees in all areas of the racetrack.

 And they’re off…!