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Raj Mutti

Posted: Thursday, June 24, 2010 3:50 PM

RAJ MUTTI

Hastings Race Course

With stints as an owner, breeder, horseplayer, marketing manager, and director of racetrack operations, Raj Mutti carried a unique perspective into his role as general manager of Hastings Race Course, even before his age came into the mix.

Mutti was 26 when he took the helm at Hastings in 2007. His background at the track, where he began working as a busboy at age 14, and his familiarity with the way people in their 20s communicate have triggered a different approach and different atmosphere.

Much like Churchill Downs and Hollywood Park in the U.S., Hastings targets a younger audience with Friday night racing, which played into contrasting results in 2009 in which the track’s total handle dropped by 17% but food and beverage sales rose by 30%.

“We’ve done a great job the last couple of years attracting a younger crowd, I think because most people in marketing and sales are around my age,” Mutti said. “It’s easy for us to communicate to that younger demographic. Now it’s our job this year, three years into this strategy, to teach these people how to bet a little more and take them along kind of the evolution of horse racing and the wagering aspect, rather than just the social, fun atmosphere to hang out.”

Mutti said Hastings has placed an emphasis on social media and event-driven promotions to entice people to the track. The shift now is to an interactive platform for wagering information.

Date of birth: August 22, 1981
Birthplace: New Westminster, British Columbia
Residence: Vancouver, British Columbia
Title: General manager
Company: Hastings Race Course
Education: Bachelor of Science, University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program
Family: Single
Career: Marketing manager at Hastings Race Course from 2004 to ’05; director of operations at Hastings from ’05 to ’07; general manager at Hastings since ’07
Background in the Thoroughbred industry: “Have worked in it for the last 14 years. I went to school for racetrack management and have been an owner, horseplayer, and a breeder.”
Outside interests: Golf, ice hockey, baseball
What book are you reading? Headless Horsemen, by Jim Squires
Outlook on the industry: “We are in some very tough times across the board in all sectors of the business. Now more than ever everyone has to work closer together to solve the problems. Change isn’t a bad thing.”
Best advice someone gave you: “Respect is always earned, you can’t just demand it.”

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READER COMMENTS

Posted by: Steve, N. Van, BC on August 01, 2010 at 04:24 AM Raj does not have the experience or the management team around him to turn things around. It's a pity, because his heart is in the right place. He needs the backing of upper management, which is not coming any time soon. Its a real shame seeing such a wonderful place being run so poorly. Report Abuse Posted by: Gord, Burnaby, BC on July 30, 2010 at 07:44 PM Fantastic job, Hastings is a fun and exciting place to spend a day. Keep up the good work Raj. Report Abuse Posted by: Jeff, Bellingham, WA on June 30, 2010 at 10:37 AM Raj is a fine young man however, he is not doing a good job of saving the track. He is slowly losing supporters. Report Abuse Posted by: Dennis, Grande Prairie, AB on June 27, 2010 at 11:10 PM Well done! At last somebody recognizes that we need betting fans and that our game must be taught to a new generation. Betting is the lifeblood of our sport Congratulations and good luck. Report Abuse Posted by: Gary, Solana Beach , CA on June 27, 2010 at 04:45 PM Raj Mutti is running Hastings right out of business,couldn,t run a hot dog stand! Report Abuse