Page 170 - September 2016

Still a chance for the little guy to reach the top rung of the ladder.
by John Moorehouse
Whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes, Tom Dawson has been a fixture in horse racing broadcasts for decades. A graduate of UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso), Dawson has more than a quarter century of experi- ence as an on-camera analyst, commentator, and handicapper. He also is well versed behind the scenes as a producer of both television and online broadcasts.
Tim Turrell, executive producer of the Jockey Club Tour, gave Dawson high praise, writing on Dawson’s Linkedin page, “Nobody knows the sport of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing more than Tom.”
Dawson clearly knows plenty about horse racing, but how much do we know about him? This longtime member of the media provided some insight as the latest subject of our The Lighter Side feature.
Q: Where were you born?
A: El Paso, Texas.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of horse racing?
A: Travel, movies, theater, chasing grand kids, TV sports, occasional golf.
Q: What is your favorite movie, and why?
A: “Last of the Mohicans” (1994). Great story, action, Daniel Day-Lewis, magnificent scenery, greatest musical score ever.
Q: Give an interesting fact about your family.
A: My father was one of 10 kids. There was at least one Dawson in Ysleta High School in El Paso for 21 straight years.
Q: Do you have a nickname and, if so, what is it and how did it come about?
A: Not that I use regularly. Big TV crews tend to have multiple people with the same first name so I became TD to many people.
Q: What is the strangest personality quirk you have ever seen in a horse?
A: Years ago I saw a Thoroughbred who had to be backed into his stall. He would just plant if you tried to lead him in. Funny, it didn’t apply to starting gates though.
TOM DAWSON
John Moorehouse
Q: If you were not in the horse racing business, what job would you like to have? A: I’d be in the movie business like Chili Palmer.
Q: What is your favorite thing about living where you live?
A: I’m a city person. El Paso is big enough, but not too big. Multi cultural. Absolutely the best Mexican food on the planet
Q: If you could vacation anywhere on the planet, where would it be and what would you do there?
A: Probably Spain. Most relaxing place I’ve ever been.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote and, if so, what is it?
A: The cautionary tale made famous by the Doobie Brothers, “What once were vices now are habits.”
168 SPEEDHORSE, September 2016
THE LIGHTER SIDE