Aidan Butler, 1/ST president, is stepping away from his role and will transition to being the advisor to chairman Belinda Stronach. The change is effective Nov. 1.
Butler has served the organization in several capacities. He joined 1/ST in 2018 as chief strategy officer before being elevated to chief operating officer in 2022 and promoted to president in January 2024.
In a statement, 1/ST said Butler joined the organization "during a transformative time in horseracing and notably was instrumental in working with Belinda Stronach, Dr. Dionne Benson and the entire team at Santa Anita on the implementation of industry-leading health and safety protocols for horses and riders. The stringent safety protocols and medication reforms introduced by 1/ST have resulted in nationwide reforms adopted in racing jurisdictions across the United States."
Butler was responsible for oversight of racing, training, and track operations in California and Florida, at Santa Anita Park and Gulfstream Park, respectively. This also included Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park prior to those tracks transitioning to the state of Maryland's stewardship.
1/ST said Butler's expertise has "contributed to the innovation and diversification of our gaming, content, and technology portfolios".
In its statement, 1/ST said, "Aidan's passion for this industry, love for horses and the connections he built with the horsemen and women, countless stakeholders, and 1/ST employees during his tenure cannot be understated. We thank Aidan for his dedication to 1/ST."
