Suffolk Downs restructures racing management team

EAST BOSTON – Suffolk Downs has named longtime New England Thoroughbred racing official Sam Elliott to the position of Vice President of Racing and has promoted racing official Tom Creel to Racing Secretary, the track announced yesterday. In addition, Racing Secretary Jim Pambianchi has been named the track’s Senior Director of Operations.”Sam and Tom bring a wealth of experience and a clear understanding of our ownership’s long-term commitment to improve thoroughbred racing,” said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle. “We want to continue the positive momentum of 2007 and feel confident with these recent appointed positions we will achieve our goal.”Elliott has been involved in New England racing in various capacities for over 20 years, most recently serving as a steward for the Massachusetts State Racing Commission at Suffolk Downs since 2006. Elliott was the Assistant Racing Secretary at Suffolk Downs from 1991-2004 and had previously been a racing official at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program.”I am excited by the new energy and enthusiasm which Richard Fields has brought to Suffolk Downs and I am eager to work with our horsemen on presenting a top quality racing program,” said Elliott.Creel was elevated to Racing Secretary after having been the track’s Stakes Coordinator the last two years. Also a veteran of the local racing scene, Creel held the position of Racing Secretary at the Three County Fair in Northampton from 2000-2004 and at the Brockton Fair in 2001. Creel’s experience in the racing office at Suffolk Downs dates back to 1992. Prior to his promotion, Creel was a racing official at Tampa Bay Downs this winter.”Having spent most of my professional career at Suffolk Downs, I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the management team during this exciting time,” said Creel. “I look forward to working with the team and our horsemen as we strive to enhance thoroughbred racing at Suffolk Downs.”Pambianchi moves into his new role after four years as Racing Secretary.”Jim did commendable work running the racing operation under less than ideal circumstances during the uncertainty of 2005 and 2006,” said Tuttle. “We’re pleased to bring the benefit of his years in racetrack management to our overall operations.”Founded in 1935, Suffolk Downs has hosted Hall of Fame horses Seabiscuit, Whirlaway and Cigar, among others, and has been the site of performances by world-renowned entertainers, including the Beatles and Aerosmith.