Rich passed away Tuesday at age 73. You can find the Daily Racing Form obituary here, and Frank Vespe’s remembrance of Rich here.

Bettors at the track considered Rich an unofficial customer service liaison. As he walked through the facility he was never too busy to field questions and/or complaints from patrons.

Rich understood the mindset of handicappers because he had been a serious student of the game since the mid-sixties. His particular bailiwick was turf handicapping, which revolved around his decades-long study and tracking of profitable turf bloodlines.

Rich took his job seriously, but he never took himself too seriously. He was self-deprecating and would try to spice up his broadcasts with homespun humor.  You could say he was a genuine everyman, and that is one of the reasons he could connect with most every track patron.

Rich was a hard worker.  Even as his health began failing over the last few years he gave 100% effort to his role. No duty was too small.  Before the age of internet transfer protocols Rich was not above transporting the tape of the replay show to the broadcast facility himself.

Rich was a loyal employee and tried to promote the track not only because he loved the facility but also because he loved the game and wanted to see it grow.

On a personal note I had many conversations with Rich. I found him to be a genuinely nice man, as well as a knowledgeable handicapper.  We weren’t close friends, but when my wife passed a few years ago, I was touched that Rich took the time to attend her memorial service. In part, he wanted to show his appreciation for my being a loyal patron of the track.

When I heard the news of his passing I felt sad, of course. But I also reminded myself that Rich was one of the few people I knew who truly loved his job. 

If there is any justice, it would be appropriate that Rich would spend his afterlife the way he spent much of it on this earth: surrounded by friends and family and talking about racing.

Rest in peace Rich. You’ve earned it.