NYRA Press Office
OZONE PARK, N.Y.— The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the appointment of racing official Victor Escobar to the role of NYRA Steward.
Escobar will join NYRA on February 16 after having served as the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission State Steward (OHRC) since 2021. A New Mexico native and the son of retired jockey Victor Escobar Sr., he previously worked as State Steward for the New Mexico Racing Commission and as an Association Steward at Rillito Park.
The NYRA Board of Stewards is comprised of three officials who collectively officiate races and adjudicate disputes at all NYRA tracks. The Board includes the New York State Gaming Commission Steward, The Jockey Club Steward and the NYRA Steward, each of whom is employed by their respective organization.
In 2023, Escobar was selected by the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) as the first American steward to participate in the International Stewards Education Program, a three-week immersion in the United Kingdom designed to facilitate international harmonization amongst stewards and judges.
As OHRC Steward, Escobar played a central role in the implementation of Category 1 rules at Remington Park and was responsible for public communication with the betting public immediately following steward’s decisions.
Escobar succeeds Brook Hawkins, who was the primary NYRA Steward since 2019.
The 2024 winter meet at Aqueduct resumes on Friday, February 2. For additional information visit NYRA.com.
