Longtime Racing Office Executive Polzin Retires

When the 24th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing comes to a close Friday, November 13, it will also mark the end of a stellar career for Director of Racing Chris Polzin. The LaGrange Park, Ill. native is retiring after six years at the helm of the racing office at Horseshoe Indianapolis, marking a career that spans more than 45 years in the racing industry.

Polzin grew up in a household that was passionate about racing. His father, Elmer, was the Turf Editor for Chicago American, a position he held for 44 years covering both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing in the Chicagoland area. Chris would accompany his father to the track on weekends and developed the same passion for the sport. A standout swimmer in high school at Lyons Township, Chris went on to swim at the College of DuPage and won the National Junior College Championship for the 100 yard backstroke. However, at the conclusion of college, he turned his sights toward a career in racing.

The first job for Chris was in the parking lot at Sportsman's Park, which soon escalated to the position of Statistician. In 1981, he moved to Arlington Park into a position in the racing office as Placing Judge and learned the business side of racing in many capacities. He was named Director of Racing at Arlington Park in 2010, a position he held for 11 years until joining the staff at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Chris and his wife, Ginger, a former pony horse rider at the track, relocated to Indiana and made nearby New Palestine, Ind. their home.

Chris assembled some great races over the years and saw some great races at Arlington, including two time Arlington Million winner John Henry. He has also seen some immense talent come through his office at Horseshoe Indianapolis, with his favorite local race contested during this year's Indiana Derby.

"I really enjoyed working on the Indiana Derby, especially this year," noted Chris. "The winner (Leading Change) went on to win the Travers. That was pretty special and a great memory to have."

The move to Indiana also brought a new perspective to his job as Director of Racing. Chris worked for the first time with Quarter Horses, a challenge he also enjoyed.

"The first time I had ever worked on Quarter Horse racing was here in 2021," added Chris. "They have different rules and regulations plus a presiding body with AQHA on many of their races. I enjoyed the new challenge and really liked working with QHRAI on their program. It has grown so much in recent years. It has been fun to watch the sport advance like it has."

As Chris adapts to retirement at the age of 72, he will have more time to spend with his wife, Ginger, and their Rottweilers, Tillie, and Nukana, who they are currently fostering. However, he hopes his new chapter doesn't keep him totally away from racing. Chris hopes to transition into the Safety Steward position, which will allow him to be available as the new team is assembled in the racing office.

"I hope it works out to move into the Safety Steward position," added Chris. "And, I would be around if the new staff needs help in the racing office. I want to do everything I can to help the program remain as strong as possible."

With the retirement of Chris Polzin, the search is now on for a replacement in his position. Chris is scheduled to work through December 12 before officially moving into the next phase of his life.

When asked about the highlights of his career, Chris noted he always enjoyed the work and enjoyed collaborating with the team at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

"The challenge to try and help the trainers was always important to me," said Chris. "And, working with Eric (Halstrom) and the entire team at Horseshoe Indianapolis has been great. I feel like we have a good relationship with the majority of the horsemen. The whole crew here is very professional and knowledgeable. They have a lot of racing office experience. This is a great place to end my career."

This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.

Longtime Racing Office Executive Polzin Retires

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