Veteran trainer Howard Zucker, a well-respected Southern California horseman with a small barn, passed away Thursday at USC Keck Hospital in Los Angeles at age 74. Zucker, who had not been feeling well over the summer, had undergone a heart procedure last week and had apparently struggled to recover post-surgery.
Based in New York prior to coming to Southern California circa 1980, Zucker trained for a brief time for Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Born May 20, 1948, Zucker saddled his last winner on July 24, as his talented 3-year-old filly Gracelund Gray won the 11th race at Del Mar.
Affable and a dedicated Yankees fan, Zucker was also a staunch advocate for the horse, evidenced by his multiple leadership roles with California Retirement Management Account (CARMA). Zucker joined the board of directors of CARMA in May 2009 and served in many leadership positions including as CARMA president from 2016-'19.
“I am devastated by the news of Howard's passing yesterday,” said Lucinda Lovitt, CARMA executive director. “He was a tireless champion for the horses and believed so strongly in CARMA's mission, I just can't imagine our board without him. I know I speak for the entire CARMA Board of Directors when I say he will be greatly, greatly missed.”
Zucker's top horse was Crafty C.T., who won the Grade 2 San Rafael Stakes with Eddie Delahoussaye up on March 2, 2001, and was subsequently second to Point Given in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.
By Crafty Prospector, Crafty C.T. was owned by Carl Grether and retired with earnings of $832,652 from an overall mark of 18-4-5-5.
Other graded stakes winners conditioned by Zucker were Well Monied, Queen Ofthe Catsle, and Madame Pietra.
Zucker had 2,223 career starts as a trainer and 246 wins.
Howard Zucker is survived by his wife Lorraine. Memorial services are undetermined at this time.
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