Ricardo Martinez, who has become an integral part of the Kieron Magee barn, is the 2022 Backstretch Worker of the Year for Pimlico Race Course given his dedication to the stable's horses.
Martinez, a 38-year-old native of Mexico, came to Maryland in 2007 and worked for trainer Ferris Allen at Laurel Park for a year. He then moved to the Magee barn, and has been a groom there since that time.
Martinez said he worked with horses in his native Mexico, and was involved with horses that participated in match races in his home country. He indicated he appreciates working for the Magee stable, which races in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
“Everybody works as a team here,” Martinez said. “What I really like is bringing horses to the races and then watching them win. Then you know that all the hard work has paid off.”
Martinez said one of his favorite horses is Keep Your Distance, who won 21 races, 11 of them in Maryland, and earned more than $552,000 in her career.
Erin McElwee, a Thoroughbred owner with horses in the Magee barn, said the entire crew is pleased Martinez has been recognized for his contributions.
“He's like family to us,” McElwee said. “He had so much pride that night after he found out he had won this award. It's great to have grooms so particular and caring about our horses.”
The post ‘So Particular And Caring’: Ricardo Martinez Named 2022 Backstretch Worker Of The Year For Pimlico appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
