Citing "differences in management philosophy," Tom Timmons, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino vice president for operations and chief operating officer, submitted his resignation effective on Tuesday. The action came in the wake of a unanimous decision by the Prairie Meadows governing board to revise the contractual status of Timmons and Gary Palmer, senior vice president for development.

Previously, Timmons, Palmer, and Robert Farinella, Prairie Meadows chief executive officer, each had an independent contract with the board. In the future, only Farinella will have that contractual relationship, with the vice presidents serving under him.

The resignation apparently was the culmination of long-standing disagreements between Timmons and Farinella.

Mike Silver, a former member of the track's information technology department, told the Des Moines Register that "Farinella is bringing in his friends to fill top positions" and that Timmons, who once served as Prairie Meadows general manager, may have felt like an outsider.

"There's going to be trouble on the racing side," Silver said, reflecting the view that in losing Timmons, the track is losing a strong voice for racing, as opposed to casino, interests.

Iowa horsemen, however, seemed unconcerned. "I don't think there will be any big change," said Dick Clark, Iowa Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association president. "Actually, I think things are looking up."

Timmons said he has no immediate plans for the future and planned to take some time to assess his options.

"I've made a lot of good relationships at Prairie Meadows," he said. "I'll miss all the people I've worked with over the past 10 1/2 years. I wish them all the best."

Farinella said the position vacated by Timmons will not be filled.--Todd Lieber