Del Mar names race officials

By July 14, 2011

Starting Wednesday, July 20, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will begin its 72nd racing season, led by a veteran team of racing officials.

At the helm will be DMTC’s executive vice president, racing and industry relations, Tom Robbins, who also serves as the track’s director of racing and racing secretary. This will be his 31st summer heading up the seaside racing office.

Robbins’ chief aides will be racing coordinator Rick Hammerle, returning for his 11th season at Del Mar, and Zachary Soto, back for his 21st summer at the shore oval. Soto serves as an assistant racing secretary and stakes coordinator. Also one of Robbins’ lieutenants is Tora Yamaguchi, a regular in the placing judges’ stand who will be tackling the assignment of an assistant racing secretary for the first time.

The Board of Stewards will consist of Scott Chaney, returning for his sixth straight season at Del Mar; Tom Ward, back for a seventh summer, and Kim Sawyer, on board for her third tour at the track. Joining them will be safety steward Luis Jauregui in his fifth go-round at the shore.

Placing judges will be Robert Moreno, Merry Young and Yamaguchi. Patrol judges will be Ken Goldberg, Sue Brent and Heather Correa, with Goldberg doubling as paddock judge. Overseeing the jockeys’ room will be clerk of scales Ruben Hernandez, assisted by Charles McCaul.

Other officials for the 37-day session include Melanie Stubblefield, clerk of the course; Dianne Piper, horse identifier; Russell Hudak, morning line maker and official timer; Victor Tovar, horseshoe inspector; Dana Stead, D.V.M., senior track veterinarian; Tim Grande, D.V.M., track veterinarian, and Jill Bailey, V.M.D., veterinarian representing the California Horse Racing Board. Additionally, starter Gary Brinson will be back in his usual spot for the 14th consecutive summer.

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