On Thursday, November 20, Running Aces Harness Park announced that Taro Ito has been hired as its new president and chief executive officer.

Ito has more than 25 years of direct experience in card room operations. His previous position was vice president and chief operating officer of Hollywood Park Casino at Hollywood Park Race Track in Los Angeles, California.

Prior to Hollywood Park Casino, Ito held the position of vice president position with The Bicycle Club Casino and Bay 101 Casino. At the time, The Bicycle Club was recognized as the largest table games casino in the world.

“I am extremely excited and confident regarding the long-term future of Running Aces Harness Park,” Ito was quoted as saying via release. “I feel that my past experience in card room development and operations, coupled with my long history of partnership with the horse racing industry is ideally suited to this new position.

“I can honestly say that the Running Aces facility is one of the nicest card rooms in the country.”

“Taro is a great addition to the Running Aces team and further reinforces our commitment to the property and the long-term success for the property, 600 employees, horsemen, Columbus our host city and the state of Minnesota,” Running Aces Chairman Peter Frank was quoted as saying in the release. “We are very excited about the future.”

(With files from Running Aces)