Sniffen Named Backstretch Worker of the Year

Charles Sniffen, who got his training license in 1968 and for the past 20 years has been assistant trainer for Ferris Allen, has been selected as the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Backstretch Worker of the Year for 2025.

Sniffen, who was born in Gettysburg, Pa., and grew up in Olney, Md., is a fifth-generation horseman. He began his training career racing at Charles Town Races and Shenandoah Downs, where he was stabled in Barn K. In the late 1980s he ventured to Maryland, where in 1981 he won the Grade III Riggs Stakes on the turf at Pimlico Race Course with Advan for owner Helen Polinger.

Sniffen later returned to West Virginia as a trainer, and then became a blacksmith, including at Tampa Bay Downs, where he was paddock blacksmith. He spent three years as a trainer in New England at Rockingham Park and Suffolk Downs, and then at Penn National Race Course, where he received a call from Allen in 2005.

“Ferris called and asked me to work with his string at Delaware Park and Gulfstream Park,” Sniffen said. “For about 10 years, I was at Delaware during its meet, and spent the other six months at Gulfstream.”

When Colonial Downs shut down in 2014, Allen, the all-time leading trainer at the Virginia racetrack, brought Sniffen to Maryland to be his assistant trainer. Colonial Downs reopened in 2019, and Sniffen primarily stays year-round at Laurel Park, where he is a well-known presence on the backstretch.

Sniffen has developed a reputation for assisting the backstretch population with personal matters, appointments, financial needs and travel arrangements. He is a regular in the Laurel Recreation Room where he socializes with members of the community.

Sniffen was asked what he likes most about his job. “I get to have all the fun and don’t have to pay the bills,” he said with a laugh. “It’s a great experience working for Ferris. He’s easy to work for. I also love working with the help. Even though I don’t speak the language, we all get along really well.”

“Charlie is an incredible member of our backstretch community,” Allen said. “He is a top-notch assistant trainer, completely reliable van driver, and unwaveringly helpful and supportive with our entire staff as well as the entire backstretch community.”

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