Longtime racetrack employee Pat Wood went from watching races from the roof of her house with a pair of binoculars to horse ownership after a random knock at her door pulled her into the harness racing business
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If you have ever been to Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, there is a good chance you have seen or been approached by Pat Wood. Wood has been an employee of Hoosier Park since 1994 and is currently working for the guest services department on the racetrack side of the facility. Her job requirements are to interact with guests that come to the establishment, and she is very good at her job.
Wood tries to greet everyone, answer questions regarding the horses, inform guests on wagering, and is even known to sit down and watch a race or two with a guest who might be unfamiliar with horse racing. Many people may know Wood, but the story of how she came to acquire such a love for horses and Hoosier Park is not known to most.
It all started when Wood moved to Anderson, Indiana 24 years ago. While she was a resident of Indianapolis, she was asked to move to Anderson by a doctor she was working for. The doctor happened to be opening a new practice in the city and asked Wood if she would relocate for work in the new location. Wood and her husband, Jerry, made the decision to move to Anderson where they purchased a house. The house just happens to be right across the street from Hoosier Park.
Wood watched the first race at Hoosier Park in 1994 from the roof of her house with her binoculars and a telephone in hand. Watching from a distance was the only interaction she had with Hoosier Park at the time. However, that would soon change.
“One day, we received a knock on the door,” said Wood. “It happened to be one of the trainers from Hoosier Park. They asked if they could turn their injured horse out in our pasture. And the next thing you know, we were horse owners.”
Being a distant fan of horses, Wood gave permission for the horse to be let out in their pasture. The horse was at Wood’s house during the day, but had to be picked up every night. Wood eventually fell in love with the horse and decided to clean out her own barn so the horse could just stay and would not have to be picked up in the evening.
“You are never too old to start in racing,” said Wood. “I wouldn’t trade my job for the world. The horse people are a breed of their own. They are just so friendly. It’s like a big family here at Hoosier Park.”
Having Wood perusing the grandstand each night is a huge benefit to racing fans as well as Hoosier Park. She is engaging and fills the room with her enthusiasm for racing. Wood greets each guest with a bright smile and a cheerful attitude, making their visit a memorable experience at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.
(With files from Hoosier Park)
What a great story!
What a great story!