Page 40 - NM Spring 2019

Victor Escobar Jr.
Relishes the Challenge of Being a Steward
(Courtesy of the New Mexico Racing Commission)
It is often said that age is like the newest software -- it has a bunch of great new features, but all the cool features the original version had are lost.
The same can be said about racing stewards. Most racing commissions would love the opportunity to have stewards who are up to date with the most innovative technology, but also have the confidence and experience to deal with the litigious territories that stewards face almost daily.
New Mexico Racing Commission executive director Ismael “Izzy” Trejo feels that he is close to having that luxury in Victor Escobar Jr., a 27-year-old native of New Mexico who was recently hired to serve as a steward.
“Victor is beyond his age in mindset,” said Trejo. “He is a student of the game, having grown up at the racetrack with his father, retired jockey Victor Escobar. Although there are many reasons to appreciate Victor, such as his calm demeanor, ability to speak Spanish fluently, and his strong communication skills, the thing I like most about him is that he took an opportunity to step away from racing and pursue a career
in the financial field with a major banking firm, which allowed him to develop a level of professionalism sometimes lacking in our industry. It’s refreshing.”
The road to becoming a steward has literally been a 27-year journey for Escobar. Before he was hired in New Mexico, he put in time as a clocker, jockey agent, and placing judge. He initially proved himself as a steward at historic Rillito Park in Tucson, Arizona.
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38 New Mexico Horse Breeder