McGovern Named Ruidoso Downs President and General Manager
RUIDOSO DOWNS, New Mexico (January 16, 2008) Ann McGovern has been named the new president and general manager at Ruidoso Downs and is expected to assume her new duties by March 1.
Ann brings the leadership skills, work ethic and experience to Ruidoso Downs and the Billy The Kid Casino to continue our growth and take us to the next level, said Ruidoso Downs and Billy The Kid Casino owner R.D. Hubbard. Im pleased to have her join our Ruidoso Downs family.
McGovern was the vice-president of operations at Sam Houston Race Park from October, 1994 through August, 2007. In that position she oversaw the operation of a 250,000 square foot, 330-acre entertainment facility in the growing Houston market. She was actively involved with long-term planning and oversaw operational departments at the only horseracing facility in Houston.
Prior to her tenure at Sam Houston Race Park, McGovern was the director of operations for the entertainment/racing division of the Edward DeBartolo Corporation at Remington Park in Oklahoma City for 3-1/2 years.
McGovern is a graduate of the University of West Virginia and the Race Track Industry Program at the University of Arizona. She received the 2000 John K. Goodman Outstanding Alumni Award.
McGovern is known for her volunteer work both inside and outside the racing industry. She is a board member of the Animal Welfare Council and the Race Track Chaplaincy of Texas. She is also a regional director of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.
Racing returns to Ruidoso Downs for the summer season starting on May 23 with a full day of trials to the Grade 1, $500,000 Ruidoso Futurity.
This summer celebrates the 50th running of the All American Futurity with special events planned to commemorate the golden anniversary of the legendary stakes. The 50th running of the All American Futurity will be contested on Labor Day with a $2 million purse and $1 million awarded to the connections of the winning horse.