Next month, Saratoga Casino and Raceway will celebrate the 90th birthday of a team member who has been part of the company since 1946.

Charlie Hoffman, the track's Mutuel Supervisor, began working at the harness track 67 years ago. His career started at the $2 show window, part-time for only the summer seasons, and later became year-round as racing expanded. After retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, Hoffman continued to work for Saratoga Casino and Raceway, climbing the ranks. He has been a full-time employee since 2007.

"I kept saying I wanted to stay here until I was 90 years old," Hoffman said. He accomplishes that goal on June 25. With the big day around the corner, Hoffman says, "My wife keeps telling me I’m either going to die at the track or on the golf course."

Hoffman’s career at Saratoga Casino and Raceway has spanned most of its history, as the Saratoga Harness Track first opened just five years prior to his start, in 1941. He has seen the track transition from the days of figuring out odds by hand, to current technological advances including online wagering through the SaratogaBets platform and simulcast racing. Hoffman’s memories from over the years are enriching and entertaining for both other team members and racing customers, alike. He is a very valued member of Saratoga Casino and Raceway’s team.

"He has an incredible work ethic and is here if there’s anything needed of him. Charlie is probably the best example here of our Signature Service standards. He just really believes in top notch customer service," said Don Braim, the track's Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. "He’s very well respected. He’s trained in almost every position in that department and excels at dealing with any problem."

Hoffman will be taking time away from the track for his 90th birthday, to go golfing. Bill McQuiston, Mutuel Manager at the harness track, will be taking him. They have worked together since 1974, when Hoffman got McQuiston the job.

"He’s doing exactly what he wants to do," Braim said. "I wouldn’t be surprised if he hadn’t taken time off and was working here at the casino on his birthday, because he would still be doing what he loves."

(Saratoga)