Robert A. (Bobby) Burch, who paved the technology path for The Jockey Club and its affiliated companies over the past 29 years, will retire as president of The Jockey Club Technology Services Inc. (TJCTS) at the end of 2013. He will be succeeded by Vice President of Software Development Harold J. Palmer, who has played an integral role with The Jockey Club enterprise for the past 30 years.

The announcement was made today by James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club.

Burch will serve as a consultant to The Jockey Club.

“It is difficult, if not impossible, to appreciate the size and scope of technological innovation —from the first personal computers in the early 1980s to the high-performance apps of today — that has evolved in the past three decades, and Bobby Burch richly deserves credit for leading those successful and wide-ranging efforts at The Jockey Club,” Gagliano said. “Technical expertise has become a hallmark of The Jockey Club, and his vast experience and deep knowledge will be invaluable as he transitions into a consulting role for us.

“In a similar vein, Harold Palmer has a keen understanding of the Thoroughbred landscape and a wealth of experience with virtually every technological change at The Jockey Club over that same period of time, so he is perfectly suited to manage the strategic direction of TJCTS in the years ahead,” Gagliano said.

Burch joined The Jockey Club staff in 1985, was promoted to vice president, Information Technology Group, in 1997, and to president of TJCTS in 2002.

Palmer joined The Jockey Club staff in 1983, was promoted to director, Software Development, in 1997, and to vice president, Software Development, in 2002.

TJCTS provides technology solutions that encompass software development, technology consulting, and hosting and managed services, and it operates a 24x7 network operations/data center. Formerly known as The Jockey Club’s Information Technology Group, it was repositioned as a wholly owned subsidiary of The Jockey Club in a 2002 restructuring of The Jockey Club companies.

In addition to serving the technological needs of The Jockey Club’s Registry, The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc., InCompass Solutions Inc., and Equibase, TJCTS has also provided various forms of technology solutions for clients such as the New York Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Breeders’ Cup Ltd., Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, and Horse Races Now.