The 2023 recipient of the Racetrack Superintendent's Innovator Award was announced as Roy Smith on Monday, Nov. 13. Roy Smith will be recognized for his decades-long commitment to communication and continuing education for racetrack superintendents, with an award presentation scheduled to occur during the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's (RTIP) Global Symposium on Racing on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.
Smith is a second-generation racetracker who chose the career of superintendent over the many other racing careers pursued by his family. Starting in 1977 as an assistant to Blackie Chobanian at Suffolk Downs, Smith took over after Chobanian's passing in 1981. Smith then moved to Philadelphia Park (now Parx) in 1984 to work for 31 years, and finally moved to Indiana Grand in 2014.
Smith was selected for the 2023 superintendent's innovator award for his work in professionalizing the career of racetrack superintendent and introducing the concept of continuing education to the community. Smith was a regular attendee at what used to be called the “dirt panel” at the RTIP Symposium, but when the dirt panel was dropped from the RTIP symposium's schedule, Smith took over and launched the racetrack superintendent field day in 2001.
Initially supported by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and more recently led by Equine Discounts, Smith has been the one constant who developed the idea and has kept it going during many changes in the industry. Smith's passion for communication and continuing education for racetrack superintendents did not allow him to let it falter. His efforts have had a profound effect on research and practice in the maintenance and construction of racetrack surfaces.
The idea of continuing education, introduced by Smith, is now part of the Regulations of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority. His vision of a collaborative profession focused on the safety of the horse and rider is embodied in the Superintendent's Field Day and more recently with the new version of the Dirt Panel that has been held at RTIP since 2021.
The Racetrack Superintendent's Innovator Award is given to recognize the critical professionals who maintain the racing surfaces for safety and fairness. Previous recipients include Joe King, for his introduction of quantitative testing for dirt racing surfaces, Leif Dickinson for his use of fiber to reinforce turf racing surfaces, and Dennis Moore for maintenance and innovation of synthetic racing surfaces. In 2024, a wall of fame will be designated where recipients will be recognized as a part of formally recognizing the critical role played by racetrack superintendents in safety of the horse and rider.
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