Hot Springs honors ‘equine ambassador' Chindi

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Chindi, the 26-year-old millionaire sprinter who works as a stable pony for trainer Steve Hobby, received a special honor on Sunday at Oaklawn Park. He was feted after the seventh race, with a proclamation from Hot Springs mayor Pat McCabe.

McCabe declared Sunday as Chindi Day in Hot Springs. Oaklawn’s senior vice president, Eric Jackson, read the proclamation in the winner’s circle as Chindi looked on, standing at attention and listening to every word. McCabe wrote that Chindi was an “equine ambassador” for Oaklawn.

There were special T-shirts made up for the occasion, which saw Chindi surrounded in the winner’s circle by his connections, track officials, and jockeys.

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Chindi is a past winner of the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn. He was known for his closing kick on the track, and now, his spirited attitude in the stables.

Oaklawn starter Walker dies

Terry Walker, the starter at Oaklawn, died Sunday, track spokeswoman Jennifer Hoyt confirmed to Daily Racing Form. He was 61 and had worked at the track since 2004.

Walker was the starter on Saturday's Rebel Day card, sending the field off in the Grade 2, $1 million prep for the Kentucky Derby.

Walker was a native of Illinois who spent his whole career on the racetrack, including time as a jockey on a fair circuit, according to an obituary from the Hot Springs Funeral Home. He is survived by a son, Jacob Walker.

Terry Walker also was the starter at Lone Star Park near Dallas.

Oaklawn had a moment of silence for Walker following the eighth race Sunday, and the winner’s circle area was filled with jockeys, assistant starters, track officials, chaplains, outriders, pony personnel, and their horses.