OZONE PARK, N.Y. -- Charles Hayward, the former president and chief executive officer of Daily Racing Form, was named president and CEO of the New York Racing Association effective immediately, NYRA announced Thursday.

Hayward, 53, fills the position that has been vacant since Terry Meyocks left in April. Meyocks resigned last year in the wake of the indictment of NYRA for fraud. NYRA remains under indictment until June through a deferred prosecution deal it made with the federal government.

Before Hayward's appointment, the role of NYRA president was filled by one person and the CEO role was held by the outgoing chairman, Barry Schwartz, who announced his resignation last month. NYRA's next chairman will serve in a non-executive role.

As part of Hayward's hiring, C. Steven Duncker and Peter Karches, who have served as co-COO's, will relinquish those titles and continue to serve as vice chairmen of the NYRA board.

Hayward, who served on the NYRA Board of Trustees from 1995 to 1999, resigned his position at the Racing Form in August after the paper was sold to The Wicks Group. Before joining the Form in 1998, Hayward served as the president and CEO of Little Brown Publishing. During Hayward's tenure, Little Brown doubled its sales, according to the NYRA press release.

"New York Racing is clearly the best in the world, and it is an important part of the economy of New York State," Hayward said in a press release. "I look forward to working with the NYRA management team, state regulators, and elected officials to maximize the business benefits of NYRA for the state, our horsemen and the racing fans of New York."

"Charlie brings to NYRA substantial, successful business and management experience and a true appreciation and understanding of horse racing," Duncker said. "In his two most recent management positions, Charlie upgraded operations and business results. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to improve NYRA's management and solidify our business operations. The NYRA trustees are gratified that someone with his experience and talents will take on the task of operating NYRA."