On Monday, August 28, the Woodbine Entertainment Group announced the appointment of Jessica Buckley to the position of President, Woodbine, Mohawk Park, effective September 5, 2017.
In June, Woodbine Entertainment announced a move to year-round Standardbred racing on the Mohawk Park site commencing in spring of 2018, along with more than $10 million in upgrades to winterize and modernize the facilities.
Buckley has been with the company in her current role as Vice President, Community Relations and Corporate Affairs, for the past two years in addition to previous leadership roles within the racing industry in the United States.
Woodbine Entertainment Group CEO Jim Lawson praised Buckley’s abilities to collaborate with the many different stakeholders associated with the organization and her passion for horse racing.
“I have great confidence in Jessica’s ability to collaborate with industry stakeholders,” said Lawson. “She has diverse experience in horse racing and a passion for the business. Her leadership will complement our current and future operations to further Woodbine’s reputation as a world-class Standardbred racing industry leader.”
Buckley has worked in the industry for 23 years, but has a life-long love and contiguity to horse racing as the source of her energy for the sport.
“This is a very exciting time for Woodbine Entertainment and the future of Standardbred racing at Mohawk Park,” said Buckley. “The move to year-round racing and the facility upgrades will create an even richer experience for our guests and horsepeople. Shortly, we will welcome a new gaming service provider and complete the master plan for the site’s 434 acres.
I look forward to working with our horsepeople and community to create a bright future.”
Mohawk Park has hosted Standardbred racing since 1963.
(WEG)