As part of continued restructuring at Santa Anita Park, two long-time employees, Andy LaRocco and Jason Spetnagel, have been promoted to the positions of Track Superintendent and Vice President of Operations, respectively.
LaRocco, who has been part of Santa Anita's track maintenance crew for 37 years, replaces Dennis Moore, who is resigning effective Dec. 31. LaRocco has been Moore's chief assistant for the past five years.
“It's really an honor to be following Dennis in this position,” said LaRocco. “I believe Santa Anita is the top track in the country and I know I speak for my entire crew when I say we're ready and that we will continue to have the same track maintenance program that we've had the past five years. We intend to provide the jockeys, horsemen, and the betting public with the safest and most consistent surface we possibly can every day.”
Spetnagel first worked as part of Santa Anita's turf course crew in 1994 and eventually held several positions at Golden Gate Fields. He returned to Santa Anita in 2007 as Director of Facilities and Grounds.
“I am grateful for this opportunity and I'm looking forward to being part of Santa Anita's continuing success,” said Spetnagel. “Santa Anita is obviously a very special place and we intend to keep it that way. I think our employees take a special pride in working here and I'm blessed to have such a talented team. We're all excited for the future.”
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