Harness: Profile of Racing Manager Chad Rozema

Grand River Raceway kicks off its live racing season on Friday (June 2) and when it does new Racing Manager Chad Rozema will be at the helm. The long-term Woodbine employee left his position earlier this year as on-air analyst and back-up track announcer to take on a new challenge .

With his first stint at Grand River approaching, Rozema took some time out of his schedule to discuss his new role, his path in the sport and harness racing in general.

How did you get started in harness racing?

I grew up in small town – Elmira – and we had a 1/2 mile oval that my mom and brothers all worked at so it was just natural for me to follow suit. I started working there at 10 years old.

Who are some of the people who helped you get to where you are today?

I owe a lot to Ken Middleton as he was instrumental in landing me several harness racing gigs including my position at Woodbine Entertainment. Jason Portuondo was the guy to watch and learn from to become a great commentator and he helped develop my on-air presence.

Recently it was announced that you have left Woodbine to become the Racing Manager at Grand River Raceway. Will you miss your Woodbine friends and experiences?

Of course I’ll miss my colleagues, friends and life at WEG, but the good news is Grand River is only 45 minutes away from Mohawk Park, so I’ll still keep in touch with most of them.

You were very visible as an on-air presence and back-up announcer at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Will you miss those roles? Will you try to sneak on-air at Grand River?

I’ll miss contributing as I have the past 16 years but it’s a lot of preparation if you want to do those jobs well, so I won’t mind a little break...for now. I can’t say for sure but as of right now I think I just want to focus on the racing at Grand River. I would like to do some TV in the U.S. if a racetrack reached out.

What will you bring to Grand River to make it better than before?

Grand River already has a good thing going thanks to the leadership of Jamie Martin but I’ll try to put my own spin on things. I feel I have solid social reach so I fully expect to bring Grand River and its product more into the spotlight.

Do you think your focus on handicapping as an on-air host gives you a better perspective of the customer?

I’d like to think so and I also made myself visible and approachable over the years at WEG so I have spoken to countless customers listening to their point of view.

Is there anything players can look forward to during the meet at Grand River?

This year marks our 20th season! Our low 15% takeout on Pick 3s 4s 5s make them an attractive play so I’ve added a second Pick 5 to start in race 6 and a second Pick 3 that will be the final 3 races of each card.

It was recently announced that the track will be transformed from a half-mile to a five-eighths. To be fair, are people really clamoring to bet more on a five-eighths?

I wouldn’t say that but a 5/8ths configuration caters to better horses, which leads to better races and hopefully more stakes action, which then attracts the best drivers and trainers. The result is a more competitive product with bigger pools for the players to benefit from.

What is your favorite track to visit? Why?

I’ve got to the say the Meadowlands. To watch the great product while enjoying the Manhattan skyline, it doesn’t get any better than that.

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What is your favorite big event in racing? Why?

I’ve always looked forward to the Metro Pace night at Mohawk Park. It’s always a stacked card and to watch the future stars of the sport compete is always exciting for me.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of harness racing?

Probably golf when weather permits.

What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know?

I performed stand-up when I was 16 and aspired to be a comedian.

What is one word that describes harness racing for you?

Electrifying.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten or given about harness racing?

In my line of work, be prepared!

What was your best moment in harness racing?

I hope my best moment is still to come but for now it has to be the night I got to announce the 2020 Canadian Pacing Derby & Maple Leaf Trot.

If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be?

I know this has been brought up before but I strongly feel that we need a universal set of rules for harness racing in North America.

How do you view the future of harness racing?

I’d hope that harness racing will pivot in the right direction to grow and thrive. I think racing is overdue to start providing ‘prop’ style bets on its product to reach a wider audience.

Time for the stretch drive…

Best Horse you ever saw: Somebeachsomewhere

Best Driver Ever: John Campbell

Best Trainer ever: Ron Burke

Lasix – Yes or No: Yes

Favorite TV Show: Seinfeld

Trotters or Pacers: Pacers