Long-time California steward Pete Pedersen has been named the winner of the
2008 Laffit Pincay Jr. Award and will be honored June 28 when the historic
Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) is run for the 69th time.
The Pincay Award, presented annually on Hollywood Gold Cup Day, is given to
an individual who has served the sport with integrity, extraordinary dedication,
determination and distinction. Pincay will make the presentation.
“He was very fair,” Pincay said. “What I liked about him, he was always very
respectful. Some stewards like to show their authority and power. He was always
very kind. He let you know in a nice way what he thought.”
Pedersen, winner of an Eclipse Award of Merit in 2002, served as a steward in
the state for 50 years. He retired following the 2005 Spring/Summer Meet at
Hollywood Park.
He worked at nearly every track on the West Coast, starting with Longacres in
Washington, and making his way south.
Born on July 4, 1920, in Seattle and educated at the University of
Washington, Pedersen served in various capacities at racetracks following his
military service as a flier in the Navy Air Corps during World War II.
“My first real paying job was with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer,” he
recalled. “I ran the teletype at the racetrack.”
Pedersen also worked as a publicity director and is a skilled writer. He has
been published in The Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle
and such racing publications as Daily Racing Form and Thoroughbred
Times. A resident of Arcadia, California, he is still a frequent visitor to
the track and also pens the occasional article.
“I miss it,” he said. “You don’t spend all your life in something and not
miss it. One thing about it, you always have interesting things coming up.”
In reflection of his distinguished career, Pedersen observed, “You don’t
flaunt your authority. You put yourself in the other person’s shoes. You accept
that people make careless mistakes.”
Former top jockey Don Pierce once stated, “Pete Pedersen is the best steward
I ever rode under, by far! He was knowledgeable and always fair.”
Hollywood Park introduced the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award in 2004 with long-time
executive and racing publicist Bob Benoit the initial winner. Trainer Noble
Threewitt was the recipient in 2005, while the Stute brothers — Mel and Warren
— shared the award in 2006. Owner/breeder Ellwood W. “Bud” Johnston, whose Old
English Rancho is one of the most storied names in California racing, won the
award in 2007.