NYRA's 'Sam the Bugler' on leave of absence

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Sam Grossman, better known as “Sam the Bugler,” is on a temporary leave from the New York Racing Association and will not return to play the “Call to Post” during the remainder of the Saratoga meet, the company announced Thursday.

“As of Thursday … Sam Grossman is on temporary leave from the New York Racing Association as he attends to a personal matter,” said John Durso Jr., director of communications and public affairs for NYRA. “While he remains an employee of the New York Racing Association, he will not be returning during the current 2015 Saratoga meet. We wish Sam well and look forward to his return in the future.”

Grossman has not been at the track since Saturday’s Whitney Stakes. Immediately following that race, he was escorted out of the winner’s circle by track security. Grossman got belligerent with a security guard, and a second security person took Grossman to an office across the hall from the jockeys’ locker room.

For the last two races on last Saturday’s card and for the last four racing days, the “Call to Post” has been performed by Beth Ann Dixon, a middle-school teacher from Maryland. She will perform through Saturday.

Grossman has been the bugler at NYRA’s three tracks since April 1, 1993. In 2013, the night before the Travers, Grossman was cited for a DUI in Saratoga. He later pled guilty to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired. He missed two days of calling that year, including the Travers Stakes.

Asked if this temporary leave was alcohol-related, Durso said, “I have nothing further to add to this personnel matter.”

Grossman texted “no comment” when asked to comment on his situation.

According to Durso, NYRA is accepting applications from local musicians interested in performing the “Call to Post” on live race days for the remainder of the Saratoga meet. Interested musicians are invited to send their résumé, portfolios and contact information in care of NYRA Human Resources Manager Julie Levine, who can be reached via e-mail at jlevine@nyrainc.com.