Don Ahrens

A native of North Bellmore, New York, Don is a graduate of Marist College with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. On January 1, 1982, Don began his career in racing at Bowie Race Course as a track detective for the TRPB. On June 8, 1983, Don became an Agent for the TRPB, during which time he has been assigned to many tracks throughout the U.S. where he has conducted numerous investigations involving betting coups, race fixing, fraudulent foal registrations, wagering irregularities, illegal gambling and internal thefts. Don has also testified as an expert witness in racing investigations.

Since March of 2001, Don has been assigned to Sam Houston Race Park as their Director of Security and, in 2003, assumed the additional duty of Director of Parking. On December 1, 2009, Don accepted direct employment with Sam Houston Race Park as Director of Security and Parking. On March 31, 2010, Don accepted the additional position as Director of Security and Parking for Valley Race Park, a greyhound track located in Harlingen, Texas.

While assigned to Portland Meadows during 1996, Don was a participant in an investigators conference which was the first of annual conferences that developed into the Organization of Racing Investigators. Don has been a member of the ORI since its’ inception and has served on the board in many positions, currently serving as Treasurer, and was awarded Lifetime Membership in 2022.

Since 2013, Don has been one of two Supervising Investigators for the Breeders’ Cup Equine Security Team.

In 2015, Don satisfactorily completed the ROAP Stewards School and has since been a regular lecturer for the RTIP.