On the other side of Laurel Park tracks: an up-close look at a worker's routine and his family legacy caring for racehorses
Cázares Cruz stands next to a thoroughbred as they wait in line for a quick examination of its gait. Photos by Ashley Neyra
Long before dawn breaks over Laurel Park, José Antonio Cázares Cruz and his three sons are already working hard in the backstretch. This photo essay shows their life inside the stables
Editor’s note: This story was the capstone project for Reporting on overlooked communities at the University of Maryland and is part of the "My First Byline" program, through which palabra promotes the work of student journalists.
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Text and photos by Ashley Neyra, @ashleyneyra.media
LAUREL, MD - 10 years ago, José Antonio Cázares Cruz was restocking hay at Laurel Park. The purebred pony swiftly took a bite of his left ear. Cázares Cruz did not immediately realize the gushing blood that was coming from his ear but instead felt a warm sensation.
It left Cázares Cruz to undergo reconstructive surgery as doctors used cartilage from his ribs and tissue from his thigh.
On April 27, 2026, he allowed us to follow him closely while he accomplished his routine
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Cázares Cruz stands next to a thoroughbred as they wait in line for a quick examination of its gait.
Cázares Cruz watches the horse practice and train on the Laurel Park racetrack.
During the three- month recovery period after his accident, stable owner Hugh McMahon and his wife gave Cázares Cruz the support he needed, including taking him to his doctor appointments in Baltimore.
Cázares Cruz started working as a groomer at Sola Dei Gloria Stable in Laurel Park 16 years ago and sees McMahon as family. He works alongside his three sons: Diego Cázares Ramírez, Jair Cázares Ramírez, and José Manuel Cázares Ramírez, who is an assistant trainer of McMahon. They all live close to each other, having a living space on the backstretch.
About 1,000 backstretch workers and their families live at or near Laurel Park.
Cázares Cruz and other workers stand at the entrance of Sola Dei Gloria Stable, meaning “God's glory alone” in Latin. On the sign is also written “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord” Proverbs 21:31.
Unfortunately, the time Cázares Cruz has been working with his sons will soon come to an end. The Maryland Stadium Authority announced the closure of Laurel Park and its repurposing as a training facility.
Forcing McMahon to apply for another stable. Leaving half of his horses in Laurel Park and the other half in the new location in Virginia.
“I like the family to stay together, but really, because Antonio (Cázares Cruz), you know, has leadership capabilities and Manny (Jose Manuel) does, it's best I have one in one place and one in the other place because in my absence both of them are going to look after things for me,” explained McMahon.
Cázares Cruz and McMahon talk as they watch their horses perform.
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Cázares Cruz, 53, originally from Michoacán, Mexico, came to the United States 26 years ago and has worked with horses since.
Working with horses wasn't unfamiliar for him; his father had horses in Mexico, to cultivate the ground. When Cázares Cruz first came to the United States, he worked at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Later, his two brothers brought him to Laurel Park.
The day starts at 4 a.m. for Cázares Cruz and the backstretch workers. They make their way to the stables to begin their tasks. He guides the horses through the soft ground of the stable outside for their morning shower.
He prepares the soapy water in a bucket, making sure to scrub the horses well. He washes the animal with soapy water and a sponge. He repeats this step for all six equines every morning.
McMahon recognizes:
“There is no one like him, there isn't. I have the best groom on that race track. I know it, God knows it. The people that work around him know it. He’s more than a groom to me; he’s a brother,” McMahon explained.
Cleaning the horse's mouth after putting on its bridle.
Cázares Cruz takes pride in meticulously styling the horses with braids and neat knots before a race. Tending to every detail of their care ensures the animals not only look sharp, but also perform to the best of their ability.
Applying poultice to the bottom of the hoof in its stable. It is used to reduce inflammation and draw out heat to help in its recovery, and its hooves remain soft, making it easy for the horse when it's time to get new shoes. After applying the poultice, Cázares Cruz layers a piece of heavy-duty paper on top to maintain moisture.
Cázares Ramírez (left) and McMahon (right) watch Cázares Cruz walk a horse. They observe and discuss the horse's walking that day and any treatment the equine will need.
Cázares Cruz stands with a horse as his son writes notes on its performance and treatments after a morning walk.
After applying the poultice to the forelegs of the horse, Cázares Cruz wraps it with a piece of heavy-duty paper, layering it with a white towel, and then a purple wrap on the top. He then prepares an ice bath and pours water over the higher parts of the horse's leg. To help with the inflammation the horse had on its forelegs.
The labor is heavy, but it’s what Cázares Cruz enjoys. He finds motivation in the community around him to continue to work every day.
“But it’s nice working in this industry of working with horses. Especially with people who treat you well, like the boss... like Hugh,” he explains.
After cleaning out the used bedding, he adds a new layer of hay, ensuring the horses will have a comfortable bed and a clean bathroom.
Assisting one of the gallopers in helping lead the horse out of the stable.
He cleans the spilled hay from the six stables he is in charge of taking care of horses.
Ashley Neyra, is a journalism student at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. She is passionate about visual storytelling that highlights underrepresented communities. Ashley currently works on the digital news team at NBCUniversal's Telemundo 44 Washington, D.C., and previously interned as a photography intern at the Tampa Bay Times. @ashleyneyra.media