Daily Racing Form Names Mark Simon as Editorial Director to Lead DRF's National Editorial Operation Based in New York, NY

NEW YORK, March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Advancing its two-prong mission to move beyond the "Horseplayer's Bible" while accelerating its transformative "Digital First" agenda, Daily Racing Form (DRF) announces the creation of a new position of Editorial Director, appointing Mark Simon to lead DRF's editorial operation reporting to John Hartig, CEO of Sports Information Group / Daily Racing Form LLC.

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Mark Simon joined DRF in October, 2012 from Thoroughbred Times to lead DRF's newest business venture "DRF Breeding," a comprehensive package of editorial coverage and new products created to serve the Breeding and Sales segment of thoroughbred racing.  In the role of Editorial Director, Simon will continue to oversee "DRF Breeding" but will also lead DRF's national editorial and content operation that publishes racing news, analysis, handicapping tools and past performance offerings that span DRF's multi-channel platforms.  Reporting to Simon will be Rich Rosenbush, DRF's Editor-in-Chief since 2001 who continues to run the day-to-day news group.  Rosenbush joined DRF in 1998 as Executive Editor.  David Renard, DRF's Digital Editor will also report to Simon. 

"As both the media industry and thoroughbred racing are undergoing unprecedented periods of change, there's never been greater urgency to evolve DRF's mission to more effectively serve our racing customers and the broader industry in a digital world," said Hartig.  With recent introductions of DRF Breeding, DRF Harness, DRF Weekend, and DRFBets, the Company has dramatically expanded its coverage and new product offerings.  DRF's digital programming and online functionality have served players well as they've adopted wagering online, a major area of growth.  In the course of its digital build-out, DRF has also successfully attracted new players, a vital ingredient in helping revitalize the game.

Hartig added, "With Mark Simon's leadership, we will advance two key strategies.  First, to broaden DRF's coverage of the industry beyond the 'Horseplayer's Bible' as it was coined decades ago.  Secondly, to accelerate DRF's 'Digital First' agenda, furthering DRF's transformation to a 21^st century information and technology company.  Regardless of platform, our goal is to innovate DRF's content and programming with new approaches to better serve players in how they are playing the game today.  Mark's responsibility will also include on-boarding new editorial workflow practices and technologies for improving the breadth and speed of DRF's reporting." 

From the start of his career at The Thoroughbred Record in 1977, and through 27 years at the helm of Thoroughbred Times, Mark brings deep industry knowledge, strong digital experience, and fresh perspective on how DRF can innovate to more effectively serve the news and content across its print, digital and mobile platforms.  Mark and his wife, Mary Simon, a two-time Eclipse Award winning writer, will relocate to New York when Mark assumes this role March 18^th. 

"I am excited about this opportunity to join Daily Racing Form at such a significant inflection point in the brand's history," said Mark Simon.  He adds, "John and his team have done an extraordinary job at growing the DRF platform to impressive results through innovation and relevance, attracting more players, and driving revenue, in an industry that has its challenges. As we continue to embrace technology, we will also continue to lead the way as the industry leader in how we bring horseracing information to bear in the Digital Age to make it more exciting and successful for everyone involved: the fan, the player, the breeder, the owner, the trainer and our advertising and business partners."

ABOUT Daily Racing Form
Daily Racing Form, "America's Turf Authority since 1894" for Thoroughbred racing horseplayers and professionals throughout North America, is the Thoroughbred industry's dominant multi-channel media company. Launched in 1894, Daily Racing Form is the only daily newspaper in the U.S. dedicated solely to the coverage of a single sport, publishing up to 2,000 unique pages of statistical and editorial copy every day, in as many as 20 daily editions, 364 days a year. Its companion website, www.DRF.com is the most heavily-trafficked horseracing destination, providing players with the most extensive news coverage in racing, interactive past performances, exclusive handicapping tools, DRF Breeding, and access to DRFBets™, America's fastest growing online and mobile wagering platform. Additionally, Daily Racing Form publishes Harness Eye, the daily newspaper and digital content for Standardbred racing since 1964, offering news, handicapping products, and online wagering functionality specifically for Harness players.

SOURCE Daily Racing Form