Hugh Gallagher, Steve Barham receive 2013 RCI awards

The Association of Racing Commissioners International has announced that Hugh Gallagher, the executive director of the Delaware Harness Racing Commission, has been named the recipient of the 2013 RCI Len Foote Award.

The Foote Award is the highest honor bestowed on racing regulators in North America. The award was presented at the annual awards luncheon held April 24 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in New Orleans, La.

Gallagher, a native of Maryland, has been involved in the racing industry in eight different jurisdictions for nearly 40 years. As a racing steward and presiding judge, Gallagher has officiated more than 38,000 races. Gallagher was unable to attend the convention, but accepting on his behalf was John Wayne, the executive director of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.

In a written acceptance statement, Gallagher expressed that he was humbled by the honor of being selected among his peers for the award, while also urging all racing regulators to “Stand firm at this time although you may face fierce resistance and objection from various elements of the industry we have chosen to regulate.”

RCI also honored Steve Barham, associate coordinator for the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program and former executive director of the Oregon Racing Commission, with the 2013 RCI William H. May Award. The award honors meritorious service to the racing industry of individuals or groups.