Bauer returns to Oaklawn as head trainer

The last time Phil Bauer spent any length of time at Oaklawn Park it was working as an assistant trainer to Ken McPeek.

Bauer will return to the track as a head trainer this meet, with a 10-horse division in place for the season that opens Jan. 22. Bauer also has a division of horses at Fair Grounds.

“With the numbers that we have, we’re going to split horses this year,” he said.

Bauer is a private trainer for the Rigney Racing operation of Richard and Tammy Rigney. He took out his trainer’s license in 2013.

“It’s certainly a dream come true and a blessing to work with somebody like Richard and Tammy,” Bauer said.

Bauer is in the midst of his best year on the track, with stable earnings approaching $1 million through Saturday.

** Delta Downs on Sunday was scheduled to begin accepting online entries from trainers through a special software program.

** Zia Park closes out its meet Wednesday with an 11-race card that starts at 11:30 a.m. Mountain.