Laurel Park Backstretch Worker Of The Year: Cesar Cruz Salazar

Cesar Cruz Salazar, who has worked for members of the Salzman family for more than 10 years after his graduation from high school in 2013, has been named the Laurel Park Groom of the Year for 2024.

Cesar, 29, became familiar with horses in his native Mexico when his grandfather had two, and after he moved to the United States in 2007, his father, Javier, would bring him to the racetracks in Maryland on weekends. His father also has worked for the Salzman family for many years, currently for John Salzman Jr.

MTHA teamed in late 2021 to recognize backstretch workers through the Best Turned Out Award—one is selected each race based on their horse’s appearance in the paddock—Cruz and his father jumped in quickly and to date have earned hundreds of recognitions. Many of the horses have colorful pompoms in their manes, and Cesar said time is spent on preparing them.

“Everything I do here is a passion,” Cesar said. “I love the sport. You have to pay close attention to the smallest detail—how the horses eat and how the horses walk. I do it because I want that horse to be different and let trainers see what I’m capable of. People take pictures of me (in the paddock) and tell me I do a good job with the horses. It makes you feel good and want to keep doing it.”

“Cesar is one of a kind, he works hard everyday and he tries to do his best with my horses, in the mornings and in the afternoon,” John Salzman Sr. said. “There is no one that fixes horses like he does. (In 2024) year he worked really hard and groomed horses for me and my son, John Jr. “He had two jobs—here at the barn and after going to my son’s barn. He never complains about work and he is a hard-working person.”

Cesar thanked the trainers for whom he has worked and horse owners including Gracie Mae Stables and Great Lakes Stable .

“I’m always thankful,” he said. “Without their support, the horses wouldn’t look that good in the paddock.”

As for perhaps pursuing a career as a trainer, Cesar said: “I’d love to, and hopefully one day I’ll be able to that.”

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