ALTOONA, IA—JANUARY 24, 2019—Racing industry veteran Michael Anifantis will assume the role of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racing Secretary at Prairie Meadows. Anifantis brings with him 40 years of racing industry experience.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have someone with Michael's knowledge and experience on our team. He's been in the industry for a long time and has many Midwest connections, making him a huge asset when it comes to recruiting race horses," said Derron Heldt, Vice President of Racing at Prairie Meadows.

As Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racing Secretary at Prairie Meadows, Anifantis will be responsible for establishing the racing program for owners and trainers, writing condition books, recruiting horses for the live race meet, developing stakes schedules, and a variety of other duties.

Prairie Meadows 2019 live racing season runs from May 3 – October 12, with the track's notable event, Festival of Racing, held on July 5 & 6. Prairie Meadows' condition books and stall applications will be available on January 31.

"I am honored to join Derron Heldt as the Racing Secretary at Prairie Meadows, and I am excited to work with the fine racing team that he has established. I look forward to working with the horsemen and women who have supported us over the years and to the challenge of bringing in new outfits to increase field size," said Anifantis.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Anifantis has worked at other racetracks including Calder Casino & Race Course Inc., Gulfstream Park, Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, Monmouth Park, Remington Park, SunRay Park, and Tampa Bay Downs.

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About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $1.8 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers more than 1,700 slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.