Robert Elliston, the longtime President and CEO of Turfway Park, has been named the new Chief Operating Officer of Breeders' Cup LTD, it was announced Monday. The 48-year-old native of Florence, KY had been at the helm at Turfway since 1999.

"We are proud to have selected one of the most talented, highly regarded and respected individuals in the Thoroughbred racing business as our Chief Operating Officer," said Breeders' Cup President and CEO Craig Fravel. "Bob's value as a leader and expertise in coordinating operations with our board, management and with host tracks for the Breeders' Cup World Championships will be a terrific asset to our company."

Elliston fills the void left by Matthew Lutz, who left the Breeders' Cup at the end of 2011. He currently serves as executive char of the NTRA Board of Directors and as treasurer of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP). He also sits in the Thoroughbred Racing Association Board and the University of Louisville Equine Program advisory board.

"It is very difficult to place into words the excitement that I feel to be selected to join such a world class organization as the Breeders' Cup," said Elliston. "From the best racing in the entire world, to a staff and Board committed to deliver even greater results in the years to come, I feel very fortunate and honored to join this incredible team."