Ronald de la Gardelle

At the age of 6 years old, my mother and father took me to the Fair Ground for the first time on December 24, 1968. From that day forward I have become a student of the game, historian, handicapper and avid player in Las Vegas. As a 21 year US Navy veteran (retired) with disabilities, I watched a video on TVG about the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program while working as a ticket-writer at the Palms Casino and Resort January 2009. I became so intrigued that a visit to Tucson to meet Director Doug Reed was immediately organized. I enrolled into the Race Track Industry Program during the Fall 2009 session and by the summer of 2011, was selected for a racing office internship at Ellis Park. At the Pea-Patch, the high point of my internship was assisting clocker Billy Pettingill with morning workouts and conducting a Handicapping seminar on the Gardenia Stakes. My best bet that race and day was the great filly Groupie Doll trained by William "Buff" Bradley. I graduated from the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program on December 17, 2011. My senior capstone project involved handicapping contest conducted at Racetracks, Las Vegas Casinos and online tournaments which was published on the RTIP website under student research. It focuses on venues and players who have an interest in sponsoring and playing tournaments.The greatest thoroughbred that I have ever seen race live remains the son of Secretariat, RISEN STAR.