I echo Randall's sentiments. It is, sadly, hard to fathom what a loss this is to both NYRA and all racing fans. To be perfectly honest, Bill Nader has kept that place going for MANY years. I could go on and on about his work ethic ( it was not rare that I would get a call from him well into the evening and he was still at work ), his overall knowledge of the game, and the business of running it, and I could still never do justice to what kind of a person and employee he is. I simply do not know how NYRA will be able to replace a man of his intelligence, knowledge, and competence.
The problem that NYRA faces now, beyond the Grand Canyon sized void that Bill's departure leaves, is that hiring a meaningful person is next to impossible at this time. Considering the very tenuous franchise situation, what qualified person would LEAVE a job to go to work for an organization that could very well be out of business in nine months. Sadly this enormous position will most likely remain virtually vacant at least until the franchise situation is resolved....as if they could replace him even with ten people.
I am very happy for Bill that he has found what is probably as coveted a position as one could find in racing. However, from a selfish standpoint, I am easily as saddened by the loss of a man who simply can never be replaced.
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