It’s been said that if one were to pick an unbeatable gift for Gabe Prewitt, the odds-on favourite would be a hat rack. Known for his sharp handicapping acumen and race calling skills, as well as his lengthy résumé, the 39-year-old harness racing aficionado has so many positions with so many different tracks that it is indeed hard to keep track of them all.
The Brigadier General of the ‘Send It In Army,' Prewitt rattles off exotic wagers like a kid in a candy store. With a deep knowledge of the gambling product and a mutual admiration and enthusiasm for the punter-preferred ‘carry-over,’ Prewitt is quick to tweet his marching orders to the faithful. Adept at locating the most attractive pools and gimmicks anywhere they may be found, he has been sought after for bringing his own brand of pari-mutuel magic to locations near and far.
Well rounded in all facets of the sport, Prewitt is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and got his first job in the industry as a teller at the Red Mile in 2005. Prewitt also owns and breeds Standardbreds, many of which have raced on the Kentucky and Ohio circuits.
Perhaps first ‘discovered’ in 2006 as the voice of the Red Mile during the early meet, Prewitt caught the ear of the late, great Sam McKee, who was quick to bring him on board for the Grand Circuit. Later, stints in Buffalo and as a fill-in at other tracks landed him the full-time announcer gig at Pompano Park in 2013.
Shortly thereafter, the year 2015 was a ‘breakthrough’ season for Prewitt, as he received the award of the same name from the U. S. Harness Writers Association at their Dan Patch Awards Banquet. Within months, he was promoted to Director of Racing Operations at the South Florida plant in 2016. The following year, Prewitt joined his pal, the late Dave Brower, on the award-winning Meadowlands Racetrack television broadcast, once his Florida duties were completed for the season.
Prewitt managed his myriad of duties with ease, while logging many miles travelling up and down the I-95 and I-75 corridors. Prewitt worked just about every day in some capacity or another. That is until some of the country, and the relative work, just ‘stopped.’ While few people care to be reminded of the recent pandemic, ask Prewitt about his experience and one may be surprised at the answer.
“Scioto Downs was the first track to re-open following the shutdown in 2020. All eyes were upon us and the betting public had no other horse racing outlets,” noted Prewitt. “As a result, we had four consecutive million-dollar handles and broke several wagering records around Memorial Day that year!”
Almost immediately, Prewitt was promoted to Director of Racing for Caesar’s Entertainment.
“Gabe will wear many hats and he’s a great asset to our team,” said Joe Morris, Vice President of Racing for Caesar’s Entertainment-Racing, upon announcing the move.
This put Prewitt in the daily double driver’s seat for Pompano Park, Hoosier Park, Scioto Downs and Harrah’s Philadelphia.
This past spring, when Pompano Park closed its doors, it was a tough time for many owners, trainers, drivers and caretakers involved in the industry and at the track. Despite the disappointment amid the loss of the venue, Prewitt kept the gambling product strong and gave the horsemen and the fans ample time to say goodbye to that Broward County treasure. With video tributes, special races and a steady hand, Prewitt provided all the stakeholders the opportunity to be remembered and live in the moment.
In two short weeks, Prewitt will re-unite with many of his friends and colleagues from around the country. When the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association holds its 63rd annual Awards Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 11, Gabe Prewitt will receive the chapter’s John Gilmour Good Guy Award.
This year, in addition to the year-end awards for horses and horse people from the local tracks, the Monticello-Goshen chapter will also honour Wally Hennessey (Lifetime Achievement Award); Anthony Bruno (John Manzi Leadership Award); Lance Ditewig (Excelsior Award); Dr. Stephen P. Dey III (Cradle of the Trotter Breeders Award); Auxiliary of Goshen Historic Track (Amy Bull Crist Distinguished Service Award); Ted Waddell (Phil Pines Award); Braxten Boyd (Rising Star); Scott Keppler (Amateur Driver); and Tracy and Dr. Gary Smith (Mighty M Award of Appreciation).
Tickets for the gala event at the Wallkill Golf Club, Middletown, NY, can be reserved by contacting Shawn Wiles at 845-798-4074 or email [email protected].
To place a congratulatory ad in the souvenir journal, please contact Chris Tully at 845-807-7538 or email [email protected].
(With files from USTA & USHWA)