MTHA Best Turned Out Awards Recognize the People Behind the Horses

The care and pride that go into preparing a horse for race day deserve recognition. Since launching in June, the MTHA Best Turned Out Awards program has recorded 112 awards through September 20, honoring the employees whose work helps Maryland’s horses look their best.

Horsemen are reminded that the program continues during Laurel Park’s fall meet, with a best-turned-out horse selected in the paddock before each race. The winning groom receives a $25 Amazon gift card and a commemorative card identifying the date and race. Heather Rolon, a backstretch employee who also works for the Maryland Racing Commission, makes the selections from her regular post in the paddock. Learn more about the program.

Edgar Cruz leads the employee standings with 10 awards, earning four in June and another six during the first two weekends of the fall meet. His recent selections include Change My World on September 20, Rock Talk on September 19 and Preparefortakeoff on September 18. His awards have come with horses representing several trainers, reflecting consistent attention to presentation across his assignments.

Marco Bautista and Victor Garcia follow with four awards apiece. Bautista’s selections include Truly Thrilling, Nothinglesswilldo, Marcan Love and Ballycurrin. Garcia has been recognized with Day And Age, Island D’Lite, Brockton and Great Quality.

Eduardo Barajas and Diego Cazares each have three awards. Barajas earned his honors with horses trained by Richard Sillaman, while Cazares was recognized with Hugh McMahon’s Tuff Luck, Sunday Lyrics and Biker Baley.

Among trainers, A. Ferris Allen’s horses lead with seven selections. The barns of Mary Eppler, Hugh McMahon and Anthony Farrior are close behind with six each. Lacey Gaudet, Jamie Ness, Horacio De Paz and John Salzman Jr. each have five.

The results include 56 awards in June and 56 more in September, representing $2,800 in gift-card awards. McMahon’s barn provided one notable fall highlight, with three horses selected on September 13: Pippin The Warrior, Monster Mitch and Tuff Luck.

MTHA congratulates all recipients and thanks the grooms and stable teams whose daily efforts make this program possible. As the fall meet continues, each race offers another opportunity to recognize their horsemanship and the pride they take in their horses.

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