PRAIRIE MEADOWS PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

John Hernandez (515) 967-1206

Altoona, IA – Longtime racing executive and official Daniel Fick will be the new face in the stewards’ stand at Prairie Meadows when the 2015 Thoroughbred season starts on April 18.

Prairie Meadows has tabbed the nationally established and accredited official with over 30 years of racing experience as the association steward for the season, replacing the retired Gerald Hobby.

Fick joins Ralph D’Amico and Rick Evans, who represent the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), to complete the three-man team of stewards for the 2015 live racing calendar in Iowa.

“Dan is well-rounded and he knows all the different facets of the racing industry,” said Prairie Meadows Director of Racing Derron Heldt. “He will be a big asset in the stewards’ office in the mornings and in the stand during the races.”

Fick’s only prior experience at Prairie Meadows came in 2012 when he served as a state steward for the Bank of America Quarter Horse Challenge Championships.

But his professional experience speaks volumes of his reputation in the horse racing industry. Fick, an ROAP (Race Track Officials Accreditation Program)-accredited official, has served as a steward in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, and Massachusetts.

“I’m looking forward to my new role,” Fick commented. “I’ve been a state steward in four different states, but never an association steward.”

“I believe the industry has improved substantially in providing information to the horsemen and the fans,” he added. “In my role as association steward, I will continue to strive for expanding transparency, especially as it relates to races, incidents that occur within the races, and disqualifications.”