Glenn Thompson, former Ellis Park track superintendent, dies at 88

Glenn Thompson, a former track superintendent at Ellis, died Saturday at age 88. A native of Henderson, Ky., Thompson worked in the track maintenance department at Ellis starting at the age of 16.

“I’ve always loved the sport, the horses, and the people,” Thompson said in an interview after the track honored him for 69 years of service in 2019. “Every day, I did my best for the horses. It was never just a job. It was a passion.”

Glenn’s son, Clifton, also was a track superintendent at Ellis, and his grandson, Garrett, was part of the Ellis maintenance crew.

“Glenn was the heart and soul of Ellis Park’s maintenance for decades,” said Dan Bork, the racing secretary at Ellis. “His dedication to the safety and care of our racing surface was unmatched. His work ethic and passion for the sport set a standard that will be felt for generations to come.”

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