Steve Peterman has joined the team at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino as starter.
Peterman brings more than 27 years of experience in his field and has already begun his position as the track's official starter effective July 10. Peterman replaces John Jamison, who left late to become the track superintendent at Lone Star Park in Texas.
A native of Belleville, Ill., Peterman was introduced to horse racing at an early age. His father, Steve Peterman, used to work on the gates at Fairmount Park and the now defunct Cahokia Downs. His father then moved over in the industry as a trainer and later served as a jockey agent. His experience proved to be a good foundation for the younger Peterman to get into the horse racing industry.
"I started off working for my father in the barn, but didn't like it, so he suggested I go to the gates and work part time," said Peterman. "When I was 23 years old, I went to Oaklawn (Park) and worked as an assistant starter for eight years and learned under Tom Wagner. He had a circuit worked out between Oaklawn, Churchill (Downs) and Keeneland in the fall. And in the gap, we schooled horses three days a week."
Peterman eventually relocated to Louisville, Ky. and made the city his home base. In 2006, he became the official starter at Turfway Park which led to a five-year stint in the same capacity at Ellis Park. Last year, he accepted the position at Calder Casino & Race Course and fulfilled the starter duties for the track for a little more than one year before relocating to Indiana Grand this July.
"I love being a starter," said Peterman. "I love working with the horses and trying to figure them out. The people are great here (at Indiana Grand) and I feel fortunate to have this job."