SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 23, 2019) – Backstretch Supplies honored another caretaker for his outstanding work Saturday, July 20. “Groom of the Week” was presented to Luis Molina of the Gary Patrick Stable and he received $100 for his extra efforts to prepare himself and his horses for the racing programs at Indiana Grand.
Molina has been an integral part of the Patrick Stable for the past 15 years. He has traveled between Indiana and Florida each year with the Patricks, preparing horses for the track. He has expertise with both young horses as they begin the learning process all the way to the older raceway horses that compete from the Patrick barn.
“He (Luis Molina) is family,” said Gary Patrick. “I can’t think of a better man. If it wasn’t for Luis, I would have probably retired about five years ago. I wouldn’t know what to do without him. He shows up to work every day and he works hard. He never misses a day. That has to be some sort of record, doesn’t it? For 15 years he’s been there every day.”
Molina handles the barn duties alongside Cindy and Gary Patrick. He ensures the horses are ready to run before they head to the paddock and he’s right there with them to get them to the track for their races. After the race has completed, Molina is there to intercept them and head back to the barn. Molina doesn’t come from a horse racing family but after meeting Patrick he found his calling in life.
"I learned everything about the horses from Gary (Patrick),” said Molina. “I like the work (in the Patrick barn). Right now, my favorite is Truckin’ On. He’s just a baby. He is going to be a very nice horse. I’ve had several favorites over the years, but right now, he’s my favorite.”
Molina was recognized for his outstanding work in the Patrick barn during the races Saturday, July 20 at Indiana Grand. He is the second recipient of the honor for 2019 thanks to the support of Backstretch Supplies, who provides the $100 cash prize to the grooms selected for the award during the four-week promotion in the summer.
“Groom of the Week” is now in its second season at Indiana Grand. Murphy’s Backstretch Supplies will provide the award two more times, completing the award Saturday, Aug. 3. Grooms will continue to be judged on their appearance while bringing horses to the paddock as well as the appearance of their horses. An award of $100 cash will be given to all recipients of the award.
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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