Retired Fair Grounds Official Tommy Scott Dies at 83

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Tommy Scott, a longtime racing official and a member of the Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame, died Jan. 21. He was 83.

Scott's career at Fair Grounds spanned more than 25 years. He served nine seasons (1967-76) as racing secretary. He also was racing secretary for 22 years at Sportsman's Park until 1987, when he became director of horseman's relations for the National Jockey Club at Sportsman's.

A New Orleans native, Scott worked as a groom and hotwalker as a teenager for his father, Fair Grounds trainer Tom Scott, then later served as an assistant conditioner to Joe Bollero. Scott trained for Fair Grounds executive vice president Anthony Pelleteri.

Scott received his first official position at Fair Grounds in 1952. Throughout his career, he served in a number of positions: steward, placing judge, clerk of scales, assistant racing secretary as well as racing secretary. He also worked for a time at the old Jefferson Downs in Louisiana.

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