Crofoot named track superintendent at Emerald Downs

Pacific Northwest native brings experience to Auburn oval

  • Wednesday, December 6, 2017 4:53pm
  • Sports
Eric Crofoot. COURTESY PHOTO

Eric Crofoot. COURTESY PHOTO

Eric Crofoot, a Pacific Northwest native with extensive racetrack experience, has been hired as track superintendent at Emerald Downs Racetrack & Casino.

A 48-year-old native of Okanogan County, Crofoot worked in track maintenance the last two years at Emerald Downs and was track superintendent for five years at Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge, Alberta.

“I’m excited for the challenge ahead,” Crofoot said. “My goal is to make the horses and the horsemen happy. The horses come first.”

The son of trainer Earl Crofoot, Eric Crofoot has been a race tracker virtually his entire life. A graduate of Brewster High School, Eric Crofoot worked several years as a trainer, conditioning both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. As a private trainer for owner Pete Schoeler, Crofoot saddled Poutnlori to a pair of Grade 3 wins in 2004-05.

Crofoot begins his new duties immediately, and said consistent communication with horsemen is vital.

“I’m going to use (former track superintendent) Wayne Damron as a resource,” Crofoot said. “Wayne has been at Emerald Downs from the beginning.”

Emerald Downs’ 70-day live racing season opens Sunday, April 22. The stable area opens Friday, Feb. 2, with training beginning Monday, Feb. 5.




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