Ed and Lou work for the Maryland Jockey Club as assistant starters, but they do so much more. I first met them during the summer meet at Colonial Downs. I would see them in the wee morning hours walking hots–then again in the afternoon loading scared maidens into the gate or talking to a jock about how they wanted a certain horse's stance. Long after the last race ended I would see them again, cleaning and re-bedding the stalls in the receiving barn for the next days occupants. Always with a smile on their faces. They were always working, some job or another, but smiling, laughing, having a good time–not once burdened by “the grind.” Ready with a high five and a “how's it going?” Ed & Lou make the backside that much brighter every day.
–Submitted by Alexa Reisfield
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