Lisa Crawford

Meet Lisa Craw�ord

A Woman Making Strides in Harness Racing

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA

Lisa Crawford is making strides for change, as the newly appointed Associate Judge of live harness racing at the Saratoga Harness Track. “In years past there have been few female judges in harness racing, however, this is evolving. Eight of the 17 employees here are women, and five of them are in supervisory roles. I am very thankful for the opportunity to become a racing official and be so involved in this industry.”

GROOMING TIPS A GIRL SHOULD KNOW

When Crawford was a child, she never imagined she’d become a role model for women in the equine world, she just knew she loved and wanted to work with animals. When Lisa was around nine years old, she remembers walking two miles every Sunday in her cowgirl boots to a local farm with a $5 bill clutched in her hand to pay for a ride on a Shetland pony named Pumpernickel. As a teenager, Lisa took English riding instruction and showed competitively in hunter seat jumping. Time spent with her father was always with horses and her first job in the industry was as a hot walker at the flat track. For 16 years, she worked as a veterinary technician and Practice Manager at Adirondack Veterinary Clinic and is certified in equine massage. Four years ago, Lisa started to work her way up to her current position. She moved from being a recording judge, to a paddock judge, became an assistant to the presiding judge, and now has been serving as a USTA licensed associate judge for the last six months. “There’s a lot of components to judging harness racing, a lot of equipment, state rules and regulations. Our job is to look out for the betting public, the wellbeing of the horses, and the drivers. It takes three sets of eyes to see everything,” she said.

A RUSH OF RESPECT

Harness racing, has traditionally not been known for being especially receptive to women, but times are changing… Lisa finds her career path exciting and gratifying. “I’ve had the pleasure of working and training with some of New York’s top presiding judges and have found my colleagues to be very respectful, supportive and helpful. I am very appreciative of their guidance and encouragement, which has been invaluable. I have worked hard to accomplish my goal to become an official and I’m proud of myself for doing so. I don’t think people give themselves enough credit for their accomplishments – for fear of looking vain. I love this job and take it very seriously.” Seeing women with a prominent role in the nightly goings-on at the track should make it a more comfortable place for other women to be. “I would love to see more women officials in the sport. I feel we can offer a renewed spirit and interest in Harness Racing. I’m hoping I can help pave the way for other women and continue to preserve the integrity of harness racing in New York State.” With her signature beaming smile, Lisa adds, “I believe the future longevity of harness racing will be bright due to the continued efforts of the wonderful people that make up this sport and the strong heart and soul of the Standardbred competitors.” Experience a night of racing under the lights... it’s electrifying!