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As the President and General Manager of The Maryland Jockey Club, Bill Knauf is not just overseeing one of the most storied institutions in American horse racing—he’s helping rebuild it from the ground up, literally.
Since stepping into his role earlier this year, Bill has been actively shaping the future of Thoroughbred racing in Maryland. Leading a new nonprofit entity created to oversee racing and wagering, Bill is now fully engaged in efforts to revitalize Pimlico Race Course and steer the industry into a new era of innovation growth.
Bill was appointed following a national search by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA). With nearly 3 decades of experience in the racing world—including as Vice President of Business Operations at Monmouth Park Racetrack—his leadership brings both industry knowledge and a forward-looking mindset to the role.
“We have found the perfect person to lead Maryland’s groundbreaking efforts to reimagine and renew the racing experience,” said MTROA Chairman Greg Cross. “Bill not only has operating experience, but the knowledge to embrace and deploy cutting-edge technology to increase wagering and profitability.”
Now several months into the job, Bill has already begun building momentum around the redevelopment of Pimlico—a project backed by a $400 million investment approved by the Maryland General Assembly and Governor Wes Moore. At the same time, racing operations continue at Laurel Park, with Pimlico hosting the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes on May 17th.
“Maryland racing has a storied history, and the passion of everyone from horsemen to fans runs deep,” said Bill. “I look forward to helping drive the evolution of Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness. I’d like to thank Chairman Greg Cross, Executive Director Marc Broady, Acting Chief Executive Officer Corey Johnsen and the MTROA Board for this exciting and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I also thank Dennis Drazin, Chairman of Monmouth Park, and the great leadership team I worked with for the last 26 years. Monmouth will always remain special to me.”
Bill, a Schenectady, NY native, holds degrees from Tufts University and the prestigious University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program. He began his career at Monmouth Park in 1998, where he climbed the ranks to oversee all operations and the on-site sportsbook. His resume includes high-profile work with the Breeders’ Cup and the Haskell Stakes, which drew more than 38,000 fans in its most recent running.
In Maryland, Bill is not only focused on racing operations but also on transforming Pimlico into a year-round destination for entertainment, events, and community engagement. His leadership is central to a broader economic development vision for Baltimore’s Park Heights neighborhood.
As Maryland looks ahead to the milestone 150th Preakness Stakes, Bill’s steady presence and experienced leadership are proving essential to building a sustainable, thriving future for the sport in the state.
I recently sat down with Bill to discuss his plans to transform Maryland Racing. As MJC’s email marketing partner and a thoroughbred racing fan, I am astounded by the scope of what Bill is undertaking.
A Monumental Challenge
Despite decades of experience in racing operations, Bill admits the scale still surprises him. “Did I ever think I’d be managing a half-a-billion-dollar transformation? No, I did not,” he said. But he’s fully invested now, not only in the logistics and planning but in making sure the vision translates into a lasting legacy for Maryland.
His leadership philosophy is grounded in understanding every facet of the racing business—an approach he cultivated over 26 years at Monmouth Park, where he worked across media, marketing, simulcasting, and operations. “I think I had the right experience and the right temperament for what Maryland needed. I’ve been around this industry a long time, and I’ve been exposed to all sides of it.”
An Incredible Opportunity
Although Bill is a naturally modest about being selected for this position, we are extremely impressed by what he is undertaking. “It’s an amazing project and I’m constantly thinking about the size and the scope of it as I’m here now in Maryland. It definitely hits so many facets of not only the horse industry in Maryland, whether it’s trainers or breeders or owners, but also just Marylanders in general. I am constantly reminded about the history of Pimlico the Preakness and the pride that Marylanders take in it. It is simply amazing to be part of this history”.
The 150th Running of the Preakness
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes in 2025 marks a once-in-a-generation milestone for Maryland racing—and the timing couldn’t be more symbolic for Bill’s leadership at the Maryland Jockey Club. As one of the most prestigious events in American sports, the Preakness is more than just a horse race; it’s a cultural institution that connects Maryland to the broader world of Thoroughbred racing. For Bill, who stepped into his role during a period of transformative change, this historic anniversary represents both a celebration of legacy and a launchpad for the future, making the 150th not only a nod to history but a defining moment in the modernization and renewal of Maryland racing.
A Family Decision
After spending so many years in New Jersey, Bill’s decision to make the move to Maryland wasn’t just professional – there was a personal element to it. When he first got the call about the opportunity, he almost turned it down. But then his wife, overhearing the conversation, chimed in: “Why wouldn’t you listen?” As it turns out, “She said, ‘I would move to Baltimore,’ and that was that” Bill recalled. “Her support has been everything. She’s even become my psychology counselor through all this. I couldn’t do it without her.”
Lessons From Monmouth
Bill brings more than just passion to his role—he brings hard-earned wisdom. One of his biggest takeaways from Monmouth was how to navigate complex partnerships. “At Monmouth, I worked with both a state agency and a horsemen’s group. That experience has been invaluable here in Maryland,” he said.
He’s also pragmatic about finances. “We’re a nonprofit, so the goal isn’t to make money—it’s to not lose money. Racing must become self-sustaining, and I’ve been through that process before. When I took over at Monmouth, we were losing millions. We turned that around.”
In fact, through all of the innovations and events that Bill engineered at Monmouth Park he was able to generate significant profits. When Bill generates a profit for MJC (and in our opinion it will be when, not if), a portion of that profit will be returned to the local community.
Community at the Core
The impact of the Pimlico redevelopment isn’t limited to the track. Bill sees it as a catalyst for revitalizing the Park Heights neighborhood, one of Baltimore’s most underserved communities. “We want this to be a shared space—something the community can use. Farmers markets, events, even just access to green space. This is about more than racing. It’s about reinvestment in the people who live here.”
Communication and the Future of Racing
Bill is a big believer in outreach. “email is still the number one tool in our communications strategy,” he said. “It lets us speak directly to our core racing fans in Maryland, and to the global audience that tunes in for Preakness. And with new events like our Preakness Preview Day, we’re constantly trying to engage new fans and grow the database”.
“Race tracks in general have always been very inclusive.” Said Bill. “Our fanbase spans crosses the entire spectrum of America from the groom who lives at the racetrack all the way up to the billion-dollar owner and everybody in between. You know, people sometimes ask me who’s your target market and it’s everyone. My goal is to make Maryland Racing more accessible and fun for all.”
I asked Bill about the new Netflix racing docuseries Race for the Crown and if he was appearing in it —“I’ve never signed anything, so I don’t think I’m in it”. Obviously, we hope they snuck some footage of him into the series. Bill recognizes the importance of storytelling in the sport’s future. “The stories around racing—human and equine—are incredible. You could easily do a ‘Hard Knocks’-style documentary at Pimlico. There’s that much passion and drama here.”
Looking Ahead
With the 150th Preakness Stakes coming to Pimlico in 2025 and a multi-phase construction effort just beginning, Bill is fully immersed in what will be a career-defining chapter. He works seven days a week, rarely takes time off, and is already thinking years ahead. “It’s a massive project, but I love it. I really do.”
His gratitude is genuine. “I’m constantly reminded of how meaningful Pimlico and the Preakness are to this state,” he said. “That’s a responsibility I take seriously—and one I’m honored to have.”
At Grey Matter Direct, we are honored to be supporting Bill and his team on this most important of initiatives.
