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TomYoungVeteran Of Churchill Staff As Track Superintendent, Hs Is Responsible for Fine Condition of Plant Today By J. SWEENEY GRANT CHURCHILL DOWNS, Louisville* Ky., May 5. — One of the true veterans of the famed Kentucky Derby and this historical Louisville course is general superintendent Tom Young. During his long association with the late Matt Winn, former head of Churphill Downs, Young has been ever tireless in his efforts to aid in the promotion and presentation of the "Run for the Roses" and has been most instrumental in its ever-increasing popularity. Young served as adviser and chief member of Winns staff for some four decades and following the death last fall of the Churchill Downs impressario continued to carry out his numerous duties under the present front office administration, which is headed by the prominent sportswriter Bill Corum. Young was born in York, England, before the turn of the century and shortly after his arrival in this country turned his interest to thoroughbred racing which he had so greatly admired while still a native of the "old country." When Young joined the organization of American Turf Association, then headed by Colonel Winn, there began scores of years of close harmony between the two which resulted in the eventual attainment reached by Churchill Downs and other leading tracks then owned by the ATA. Prior to the disposal of other properties American Turf formerly owned Washington Park, Lincoln Fields, Latonia and Fairmount Park. Young performed the same duties at all the tracks, but needless to say Churchill Downs remained his favorite plant and his attention centered upon the continuous improvement of the Derby course. Start Work on Next Years Meeting Following the running of 1950 Kentucky Derby, which will have its presentation this year on Saturday, Young and his board of strategy will immediately begin improvements for the following years spectacle. Owners and trainers who campaign their units here during the annual spring and autumn meetings are always high in the praise of the local racing strip. The Derby track is generally recognized as one of the safest of all as can be attested by the minimum of thoroughbreds who either break down or return injured following their engagements or training assignments. Young spends countless days in the preparation of the strip for the two meetings and during the off-season continuously conducts inspection tours of the entire lilant. The stabling area at the Downs is equal to any. in this sector and yearly undergoes numerous changes. Now that building materials and supplies are once again obtainable following the recent national conflict, Churchill Downs can be expected to come forth with additional improvements and remodeling procedures during the next and following years and this of course will be planned and carried out by Young. Not only does he personally supervise all construction work, but on most occasions draws his own blueprints for contemplated changes. During his association with Churchill Downs and other tracks, Young has come in contact with the majority of the more prominent members of the turf world and is held in high regard by all. Has Retentive Memory Young has a most retentative memory and can recall leading incidents of former Derbys as vividly as if they occurred within the past several days. Without a moments hesitation he can tell the exact location of any trainer on the grounds and a good number of the names of the various horses under their direction. Anyone entering the stabling area of the Downs makes a special effort to stop by the "mule barn" which Young uses as his backstretch office. He is always ready and eager to lend a helping hand to one and all and is never too busy to answer the multitude of questions thrown his way. As during the past several years, Young makes his home on Southern Parkway in Louisville, the location of which is easily accessible to both Churchill Downs and Douglas Park. Whereas the forthcoming Derby will confine Young to the track during the majority of the day and night, he is never too fatigued upon arrival at his home to spend considerable time with his son, Johnnie, a mite of a lad who, indeed, will become a credit to the thoroughbred world should he choose to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious father.
