LOUISVILLE - Alex Waldrop has stepped down as president of Churchill Downs racetrack to take a new position overseeing lobbying efforts by the track's parent company.

        Mr. Waldrop, who spent three years as track president, will become senior vice president for public affairs.

        He will direct all lobbying efforts for the company, which also owns tracks in California, Florida, Illinois and Indiana.

        “Right now, the political stakes are high at both the state and federal level for this industry,” Mr. Waldrop said.

        “Some of the greatest challenges we face deal with public policy issues, and in many respects the horse industry can't grow without enabling legislation.”

        The company has not named a successor to run the Downs, the flagship of Churchill Downs Inc.

        Churchill Downs Inc. chief executive Tom Meeker said the move was announced Wednesday because the track's spring meet has finished and several legislative issues are on the horizon.

        Mr. Meeker said it became increasingly clear during the past year that the company needed one person to oversee government contacts in all of the states where it does business, as well as in Washington.

        Mr. Waldrop is well-suited for the job because of his lobbying background, management expertise and experience running a track, Mr. Meeker said.

        As president of Churchill Downs, Mr. Waldrop was responsible for operation of the track, the quality of its races and the amount of money wagered on its races.

        Last year, total betting on Churchill races, including off-track wagers, rose nearly 5 percent.

        That increase was faster than the 1.6 percent rise in total wagering on U.S. races.

        Mr. Waldrop, a lawyer, handled government relations in his first job with the track 10 years ago.

        He was involved in the recent unsuccessful effort by Kentucky tracks to legalize slot machines.

        Mr. Meeker said he wasn't in a rush to appoint a new track president, but will look inside the company for a replacement.

        In the meantime, John Long, the company's chief operating officer, will oversee day-to-day operations.

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