By Tom White
4/14/06

Raymond Greene, one-half of a brother team that has kept the Delaware, OH Grand Circuit racetrack finish line free from footprints, died Monday, April 10 in Xenia, OH. Raymond was 68.

Raymond and brother Charles, both retired and both residents of Xenia, have worked at the fair since 1968. "Our first year Curly Smart (Hall of Fame trainer-driver and track superintendent) asked us to rake away all of the footprints before each race. He explained that horses will jump and shy away from the shiny prints. Since people must cross the track to get to the winners circle, there are always lots of prints."

The brothers also work at the log cabin and transport judges and racing officials to the centerfield and grandstand. "We are at Delaware for about 10 days each September," Charles said. "We also have to clean up the track in front of the grandstand whenever they have music concerts. We need to have a fresh surface for the morning training miles."

Raymond's grandson Darren will work with his uncle this fall.

Raymond is survived by wife Cynthia, one son and two daughters. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15 at the First Zion Baptist Church in Jamestown, OH.

(See a photo of the two brothers "in action" on page 98 of the 2005 Little Brown Jug media guide.)