Longtime Director of Racing Chris Warren Embarks on a New Chapter

Longtime Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs Director of Racing, Chris Warren, wraps up his tenure in Louisiana on December 15.

© Paula Tindall Crawford / Coady Photography

By Martha Claussen

VINTON, LA—DECEMBER 9, 2023—Chris Warren, who has served as Director of Racing for both Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs, will depart and head home to Ruidoso, New Mexico.  His last day will be December 15.

His Beginning

Warren, 64, grew up in Ruidoso, and credits his dad, Bill Warren, for introducing him to the Sport of Kings. He was a contractor, carpenter and builder by trade. Chris enjoyed watching the races at Ruidoso Downs and earned money in high school by writing and selling a tip sheet he titled "Simon Says."

"My dad loved horse racing and definitely got me started," acknowledged Warren.

He worked summers at Ruidoso Downs and attended the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry program in Tucson.

"I remember in 1987  I worked as assistant clerk of scales at Santa Anita," he said. "The first rider in the room was Billy Shoemaker. That was like a football fan interacting with Tom Brady; he could not have been nice; it was a big moment for me."

In addition to Santa Anita, Warren traversed the country in various racing office positions early in his career. His employers included The Downs at Santa Fe and Canterbury Park in Minnesota. He first worked at Delta Downs when he was 22 year-old, serving as assistant racing secretary to Jim Grundy. He spent eight years at Delaware Park before returning to Delta Downs in 2001.

Demanding Job Description

The role of director of racing in Louisiana entails a myriad of responsibilities from interacting with horsemen and horsemen's organizations, attending racing commission meetings, overseeing purses and condition books for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing and ensuring racetrack safety.

Hiring competent racing office staff is also a key element of the job, and there are far more positions than the average racing fan knows about! Placing judges, entry clerks, starter and assistants, gate crew, jockey room clerk of scales, valets and more! When Boyd Gaming acquired its second track in Louisiana in 2013, Warren was asked to take over the role at Evangeline Downs in addition to Delta.

"In hindsight, I should have said no," quipped Warren. "In the beginning, I put a lot of miles making the 120 mile (one-way) commute between the two tracks. Those trips have not been as necessary in the last few years."

He earned respect from both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred trainers throughout his tenure.

Kenneth Roberts, Sr. has been one of the leading Louisiana Quarter Horse trainers for decades and credited Warren for his commitment to the horsemen.

"I have always had a good relationship with Chris," stated Roberts. "You could call him with concerns, and he listened. His hands were tied sometimes, but he pulled for the horsemen and was there for us."

Allen Landry, who runs Thoroughbreds at both Delta and Evangeline, echoed the sentiments of Roberts.

"Despite his busy schedule, Chris would always take my call," said Landry. "He would do his best in taking care of what I asked him to look into. We will miss him!"

The memories are plentiful for Warren for both breeds. Each year, Delta Downs concludes its Quarter Horse meet with the running of the Lee Berwick Memorial Futurity. Named in honor of the late Louisiana horseman who developed the Vinton racetrack and served as its first president. Warren extends an invitation to the entire Berwick family to watch the ten juveniles compete for the championship. Berwick's widow, Betty, attends and is escorted to the very crowded winner's circle by Warren.

"The race is always exciting and it's nice to spend a few minutes with Betty," acknowledged Warren. "I will miss her a lot."

The $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot was held for 15 years, and Warren enjoyed the high profile Thoroughbred event, which served as a springboard to the Kentucky Derby. A total of 16 Delta Jackpot participants made it to the starting gate on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs.

"It was cool to follow our Jackpot winners on the Triple Crown trail," said Warren. "We welcomed many high profile trainers and saw some really great horses including Exaggerator, Goldencents and 2010 Eclipse Award Sprint winner Big Drama." 

Steve Kuypers, Vice President and General Manager of Delta Downs praised Warren for his commitment and years of service to the Vinton, Louisiana racetrack.

"Chris's dedication and intense passion for the sport had a tremendous impact on Delta Downs, as well as horse racing across the state of Louisiana," said Kuypers. "His contributions helped make Delta Downs the #1 racetrack in the United States in USA Today's Reader's Choice poll earlier this year. Chris is a great colleague and friend, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy at Delta Downs. We will all miss him greatly and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Smooth Transition to Come

John Simon, currently the racing secretary at Delta Downs, will serve as Director of Racing at the Vinton racetrack and Tracey Coonce takes on the same role at Evangeline Downs. 

"They have done a great job and get along well with their staff," said Warren.

Don Stevens, the popular announcer at Delta Downs, also worked closely with Warren.

"I have worked with Chris for over 20 years at Delta Downs," said Stevens. "His extensive experience in the racing industry, along with his ability to look at things from a unique perspective, have been an asset to Boyd Gaming and he will be sorely missed."

Warren will return to his home in Ruidoso to the delight of his wife of 40 years, Patricia, and their feline family. He has no plans for retirement and hopes to remain in the racing industry in a smaller capacity.

"I'm looking forward to regrouping, enjoying the holidays and playing some golf when it gets warmer," stated Warren. "Right now, I have no interest in working full time, but hope to do something to help pay the cat food bill!"

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Martha Claussen has been involved in the racing industry since 1997. She continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana and other regions in North America.