FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 19, 2006

GOVERNOR APPOINTS DR. SMITH TO RACING BOARD

CHICAGO, IL – Governor Rod Blagojevich announced the appointment of Dr. Paul B. Smith to serve as a commissioner of the Illinois Racing Board.  Smith will replace long-time commissioner and former Chairman Ralph Gonzalez. 

Paul Smith, DVM, was employed by the Illinois Racing Board for 33 years as the Board’s veterinarian for harness racing.  He retired from the Board in 2002.  A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, he worked in private practice before joining the Board in 1969. 

In 1998, Dr. Smith was inducted into the Illinois Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

Dr. Smith resides in Plainfield, Illinois and his appointment, a 6 year term, is effective July 1, 2006.