SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 3, 2019) – If one has followed racing at Indiana Grand for the past decade, chances are you have seen Junior Gonzalez. The Jamaica native has worked at Indiana Grand since 2006 and is a great example of a groom who cares for his horses when bringing them to the paddock. His hard work has paid off as he is the latest recipient of “Groom of the Week” sponsored by Backstretch Supplies.
Gonzalez first ventured into the world of Thoroughbred racing at River Downs, securing his first job with the late Hulan Womack. From there, he continued to learn about the business and eventually came to Indiana Grand, a place he has called home for more than a decade. He currently serves as a groom for the Ron Brown Stable, but prior to this season, he served as the assistant for Quarter Horse Trainer Matt Frazier and oversaw operations for Frazier’s string stabled at Indiana Grand. When Frazier made the decision not to keep a stable on property at Indiana Grand in 2019, Gonzalez was able to move back to his roots and began working for Brown, who is a native of Connersville, Ind.
“I actually started out with Thoroughbreds until I went to work for Matt (Frazier) seven or eight years ago,” said Gonzalez. “While I was there, my favorite horse was Stinkin Rich. He’s my boy. He’s a champion. But I fell in love with Ron’s horses now. Everyone likes WH Kenny G in Ron’s barn, but my favorite is Beach Treat.”
Beach Treat was a winner from Brown’s barn Friday, Aug. 2, scoring his third win in six starts for 2019. Of course, Gonzalez was trackside to walk the gelding into the winner’s circle following the race.
As the recipient of the “Groom of the Week,” Gonzalez received a $100 bill from Backstretch Supplies. Owner Bruce Murphy was trackside to make the presentation along with Indiana Grand’s on-air racing analyst Rachel McLaughlin.
“This program has gone very well this year,” noted Murphy. “The grooms have really stepped up and presented themselves well and have taken excellent care of their horses. We were supposed to end the program with tonight’s presentation, but we have decided to add four more weeks to reward these grooms that are working so hard. So, all the grooms need to get dressed up and get noticed by our judges to get the prize. Good luck to everyone.”
Backstretch Supplies, located in the barn area at Indiana Grand, began the “Groom of the Week” program last year. The program was created to recognize and reward the caretakers of the horses on race days to provide the best show possible for the racing world that tunes in to watch from across the nation.
Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 6. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:15 p.m. and Saturday at 6:15 p.m. More information about the season is available at www.indianagrand.com.
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, which is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, dining, and diversity. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features 2,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games in addition to a one-mile dirt race course and a seven-eighths mile turf course offering live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast wagering is also offered year-round at Winner’s Circle Brewpub & OTB located on the casino floor as well as a Winner’s Circle OTB located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at casinos. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448) ©2019 Caesars License Company, LLC.
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Photo by Coady Photography
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