Pete Lang, backstretch security expert, dies

January 14, 2013

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Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB) Supervisory Senior agent Peter J. Lang, 64, died at his home in New Jersey on Jan. 13, 2013.

Mr. Lang, a native of New Jersey, formerly worked as a police officer with the Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach, New Jersey Police Departments, prior to beginning his employment with the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau in May 1981. During his TRPB career Mr. Lang served as Task Force Supervisor and Agent at numerous Thoroughbred racetracks including Monmouth Park, Calder, Gulfstream Park, Penn National Race Course, Keystone/Philadelphia Park, Timonium, Pimlico, Garden State Park, The Meadowlands, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Turfway Park, Rockingham Park, Oaklawn Jockey Club, Belmont Park, Aqueduct, Saratoga Race Course, and Tampa Bay Downs.

In 1996, upon the creation of Standardbred Investigative Services, an internal division within TRPB, Mr. Lang was named Supervisory Senior Agent, and provided oversight to investigations and initiatives involving the Standardbred industry. He provided invaluable assistance on special projects at Standardbred racetracks including Pompano Park, Scioto Downs, Monticello Raceway, Delaware County Fair, The Meadowlands, Freehold Raceway, Northfield Park, Lebanon Raceway, The Red Mile, The Meadows and Dover Downs.

Mr. Lang was often called to speak at the University of Louisville's Stewards/Judges Racing Officials Accreditation Program.

In 2005, upon TRPB and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium creating the TRPB "Big Event Team,� Mr. Lang, working closely with host racetrack security directors and racing commission personnel, supervised a team of as many as 20 seasoned investigators in their implementation of enhanced backstretch security measures at Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing venues hosting the racing industry's most prestigious events, including the Triple Crown, Breeders' Cup, Hambletonian, Breeders Crown, and Little Brown Jug.

Mr. Lang received numerous commendations for his investigative efforts from racing commissions and law enforcement agencies. He was a past Chairman of the Organization of Racing Investigators, which was established in 1991 with the purpose of addressing the problems of the pari-mutuel racing industry as they relate to the integrity and general health of the sport. Mr. Lang was this year's nominee to be recognized for his body of work and contributions to the industry, for which he would have been named as an Honorary Lifetime Member. (Thoroughbred Racing Associations)

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