Horse racing veteran Bryan Pettigrew will return to Texas to lead PENN Entertainment’s equestrian operations at Sam Houston Jockey Park in Houston and Retama Park in Selma. Pettigrew was formerly head of marketing at Sam Houston Race Park in the mid-1990s before joining the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and then the Breeders’ Cup in Lexington, KY, where he was Director. marketing director before departing in 2019.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Communications, Pettigrew has over 25 years of experience in the sports and entertainment management businesses, most recently as President of Kustom Entertainment, a division of Digital Ally in Kansas City, a multidisciplinary company operating concerts/festivals as well as aircraft rental and event ticketing businesses. He also oversaw tournament operations for the PGA Tour Barbasol Championship for three years. Pettigrew will officially join PENN Entertainment on June 5, pending regulatory approval.
“I was thrilled to receive the invitation to join the PENN Entertainment team and run their Texas operations,” said Pettigrew. “When I was at Sam Houston before, I was able to increase attendance and handling, and educate newer businesses and fan bases about the fun, excitement, and business impact of the event. I hope to bring many of the same principles and work with our talented management team to grow our racing business in the Lone Star State. ,” he added.
“I am delighted to have Bryan lead our Texas racing events,” said Christopher McErlean, vice president of racing at PENN Entertainment. “Equestrian racing in Texas presents many challenges but Bryan has a deep understanding of the horse racing business with his previous renowned marketing and sponsorship roles in the industry and has maintained a close relationship He also brings a wealth of experience from outside the race in professional sports management and special events that will positively impact our assets. ,” added McErlean.
Dwight Berube, a key member of the team that has run Sam Houston since the track opened in 1994, and Vice President/General Manager of the property and subsidiaries since 2017, will retire in early June.
“Dwight has been an invaluable member of Sam Houston’s team and family since day one and has navigated the property through some extreme challenges. I want to thank him for all of his efforts. to keep Sam Houston as the leader in Texas horse racing over the years,” McErlean said.
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