Former Churchill Downs Inc. and Circuit of the Americas exec STEVE SEXTON died yesterday in Dallas at the age of 57 after "being diagnosed recently with a brain tumor," according to Matt Hegarty of the DAILY RACING FORM. Sexton had worked outside of horse racing since resigning as CDI VP in '11 after eight years at the track operator. Sexton most recently served as sports consulting firm LOGE Managing Partner. He also owned sports/entertainment firm Strathmore from early '14 through late '15, serving as President & CEO (DRF.com, 12/12). BLOODHORSE's Frank Angst noted while in charge of Churchill Downs, Sexton "improved the track facility and the profitability" of Kentucky Derby week, which "set attendance and wagering records under his watch." Sexton oversaw a $121M facility rebuild that "included 80 suites and seven unique hospitality areas, creation of the NBC Derby Red Carpet Show, a $20 million personal seat license program, and a fully integrated marketing effort with NBC Sports" (BLOODHORSE.com, 12/12). In Louisville, White & Schneider in a front-page piece note Sexton was the 12th person to be Churchill Downs President ('02-09). He also served as Churchill Down Entertainment Group President "following his time" with the track. Sexton was an "active member of the Louisville community" (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 12/13).
LEADER ALL AROUND: In Austin, Kevin Lyttle noted Sexton "came on board with COTA" as President & CEO in '11 as the track was being built and left after the second F1 U.S. Grand Prix race in '13. CDI CEO BILL CARSTANJEN "praised Sexton's leadership during 'key years of change' for the track and the Kentucky Derby." Sexton's involvement with the Louisville community included the creation of the Churchill Music Festivals (STATESMAN.com, 12/12).
