Sam the Bugler is back

ELMONT, N.Y. – Sam Grossman, better known as Sam the Bugler, returned to work Thursday at Belmont Park after a two-month hiatus following an alcohol-related incident at Saratoga on Aug. 8.

Grossman played the “Call to Post” for Thursday’s opener for the first time at a New York Racing Association track since the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 8. An intoxicated Grossman had to be escorted out of the winner’s circle that day. The following day, Grossman was placed “on leave” by NYRA.

Grossman on Thursday said NYRA management “required me to stop drinking and get some counseling, and I did that.”

“My last drink was the day of the Whitney,” he said.

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 playing that year, including Travers Stakes Day.

“Living a healthy life is not an easy thing to do, but I’m doing it,” Grossman said. “Delighted to be back.”

John Durso Jr., spokesman for NYRA, said: “We’re thrilled to have Sam back. Sam’s an important part of the NYRA family. Sam took time away from NYRA in order to address some personal matters. Those matters have now been resolved.”