The 2021 racing season is offering a new program to honor the grooms who work behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready to go for the racehorses at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) is teaming up with the track to provide “Groom of the Week” and Laurie Younkin is one of the first recipients.
Laurie Younkin, longtime groom at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, is the recipient of “Groom of the Week” provided by the track and the ISA. Photo by Dean Gillette
Laurie currently works for the Missy Essig Stable. She has been a staple on the backstretch at Harrah’s Hoosier Park for more than a decade and has served as a groom for more than 30 years. She has long been hailed as one of the best grooms on the grounds by several trainers racing in Indiana.
Laurie’s favorite horse that she currently cares for is Saddle Up. Her favorite horse of all-time is Nitro, a son of Charley Barley who earned a career best time of 1:49.4 and accumulated more than $431,000 in earnings. Nitro last raced in 2018.
The “Groom of the Week” program will continue throughout the 2021 racing season at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. To nominate a deserving individual, pick up an entry form in the paddock lounge. The entry form needs the grooms name, phone number of the nominee, current employer and the name of the individual nominating the groom.
Congratulations to Laurie Younkin, Groom of the Week at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.