Vic Stauffer Shares a Lifetime of Racing Lessons with RTIP Students
Veteran race caller, jockey agent and steward Vic Stauffer joined Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) students to share stories from his decades in horse racing and offer advice to those preparing to begin careers in the industry.
Stauffer’s connection to racing began as a child when his grandfather took him to Hollywood Park. He eventually worked his way from the backstretch to the press box, where legendary announcer Harry Henson helped him pursue his dream of becoming a race caller. After being challenged to record 100 practice race calls, Stauffer proved his commitment and eventually landed his first announcing job at Garden State Park in 1985. His career would go on to include over 40,000 race calls.
While Stauffer discussed the craft of race calling, much of his message centered on something even more important: relationships. Horse racing is a small, close-knit industry. He encouraged students to understand that their reputation is formed before they land their first full-time position. “Your skill set is so important. Your work ethic is so important. But the relationships and the way that people view you trumps all of that,” Stauffer said.
Stauffer also discussed positions he held outside the announcer’s booth, including work as a jockey agent and steward. He described stewards as the “gatekeepers of the industry,” responsible for protecting a fair and level playing field for horsemen, bettors and other participants.
Despite the challenges facing horse racing, Stauffer remains optimistic about its future and pointed directly to the next generation of industry professionals.“I strongly believe it will be students like yourselves and programs like the RTIP that will pave the way to those changes and a very bright future indeed,” he said.
For students preparing to enter racing, Stauffer’s message was simple: work hard, build relationships, protect your reputation and never lose sight of why you entered the sport in the first place.