Commission approves two additional Running Aces racing officials

The Minnesota Racing Commission voted July 20 to approve two additional racing officials requested by Running Aces for the 2026 season: Alexia Kiel as a backup outrider and Rachel Holtbreath as an identifier.

Running Aces’ presiding judge, John Gaynor, told commissioners that Kiel brings 29 years of horsemanship experience, including more than a decade as a trainer and prior service as an outrider in 2009. Gaynor said Holtbreath has worked on the backside this season and passed an identifier exam administered by the United States Trotting Association at the end of last season.

Commissioners moved and approved the request during the meeting; the Chair called the motion and the commission voiced approval. The action adds two association-employed racing officials to Running Aces’ 2026 roster, which Running Aces said will help cover shifts and support race-day operations.

The approval followed a brief discussion about item numbering and how the additional officials fit in the season’s staffing plan. Staff said the officials are association employees; the commission did not identify additional compensation or effective-start dates in the public discussion.