Pimlico Backstretch Worker Of The Year: Roberto Ronald Castillo

The well-traveled Roberto Ronald Castillo, who has been working in the Maryland Thoroughbred industry four years, has been named the Pimlico Backstretch Worker of the Year for 2024.

Roberto, 42, had worked at Pimlico Race Course until Sept. 1, 2024, when all horses and training operations were consolidated at Laurel Park. He was hired two years ago by trainer Miguel Vera and works for him today. When he came to Maryland to work in the industry, Roberto worked two years for the late David Howard at Pimlico.

Before he came to Maryland, Roberto worked in the racing industry in Peru, where he is from, and Argentina. He currently serves as a groom at Laurel, but was an exercise rider in Argentina.

“It’s peaceful to work with horses in Maryland,” Roberto said. “I’m grooming horses now but eventually would like to get back exercising horses. I’ve been with Miguel for about two years and really like working for him.”

Roberto explained that in Argentina, a country well-known for its equine tradition, riders breeze horses without a regular saddle. He said the country has three major racetracks and there is work available seven days a week.

“The best places to work with horses are Argentina and Maryland,” Roberto said.

Vera, who began training in 2011, credited Roberto for his work ethic.

“He’s very responsible on the job,” Vera said. “He shows up every day and he knows what he’s doing. He started working for me about two years ago, and it’s not easy (in this business) to find people like him. He also takes very good care of the horses.”

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