A native of New Orleans, Gary Palmisano, Jr. spent much of his childhood at the Fair Grounds Race Course assisting his father, who was a longtime trainer on the Louisiana racing circuit. Gary attended the University of Louisville where he received degrees in Equine Business and Marketing. During his time at Louisville, Gary interned in the Marketing Department of Churchill Downs. Upon graduation, he assumed the role of Pari-Mutuel Marketing Manager. Now in his 9th year with the track, his current role as the VIP Player Services Manager has expanded to involve managing the newly created Churchill Downs Racing Club and that of its sister property, Fair Grounds Racing Club. The club, which has over 800 members, is designed to provide a low cost, low risk, educational glimpse into the world of thoroughbred ownership through behind the scenes track experiences and interactions with trainers and other club members.
