Thursday, April 19, 2012
Contact: Jenny Kellner
vkellner@nyrainc.com
RICHARD HAMILTON, FORMER NYRA STEWARD, DEAD AT 76
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Richard L. Hamilton, a former steward and longtime racing official for The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), died Wednesday night at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, N.Y. after suffering a heart attack. He was 76 years old.
According to Peter Hammell, former director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Hamilton had been taken to Saratoga Hospital on Tuesday complaining of severe pain in his neck and jaw. Shortly after his arrival, he suffered a heart attack and was immediately transported to St. Peter’s Hospital. He was taken off life support at 6 p.m. on Wednesday night, said Hammell.
A native of Lowell, Mass., Hamilton graduated from Emerson College in 1958 and served in the United States Army until 1961. After stints as a newsman for The Daily Racing Form, various radio stations in New England, and for ABC radio, Hamilton went to work for the Jockey Club in 1972, leaving in 1975 to join NYRA as a racing official. There, he served in a variety of capacities, including clerk of the course, paddock judge, placing judge and alternate steward, and was appointed NYRA Steward in 1989, a position he held for six years.
“As a steward, Dick was very professional and very thorough,” said Carmine Donofrio, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board steward who worked with Hamilton at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. “He was a very intelligent man, very funny, and a great guy. He really loved horse racing.”
In 1995, Hamilton accepted an early retirement package from NYRA, and subsequently became the communications officer for the Museum of Racing. While with the museum, Hamilton helped develop the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and also organized numerous free public seminars for fans. While he officially retired in 2005, Hamilton continued on as a volunteer, and also enjoyed volunteering at Saratoga Hospital and in the History Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library, said Hammell.
“Dick Hamilton was an invaluable contributor to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame both during his years here as our communications officer and also in recent years as a volunteer,” said current museum director Christopher Dragone. “His knowledge of thoroughbred racing and his passion for the sport and the Museum were evident to all who knew him. He was one of the true gentlemen in racing and was beloved in the Saratoga community. Dick was a wonderful ambassador for the Museum and the sport in general. He was instrumental in the development of the Hall of Fame ceremony and numerous public programs here at the Museum. He will be missed by everyone who had the fortune of knowing him.”
Hamilton is survived by a niece, Mary Lake, and three nephews, Philip, David and Steven Biati, the children of his predeceased sister, Audrey Biati. A memorial service will he held in Saratoga Springs during the racing season, said Hammell.
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