The announcer at Nebraska's Fonner Park since 2003, Steve Anderson was diagnosed with cancer after the 2021 racing season. He battled back to the announcer's stand for the first half of this season, but lost his battle with cancer on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the age of 69.
“Steve was simply perfect for Fonner Park,” Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak told the Grand Island Independent. ”He cut his teeth on horse racing in Grand Island and his passion and commitment to Fonner Park should never be challenged.”
Anderson called his last race on April 9.
“He was humble and kind both personally and professionally, and he was able to express those traits via his microphone,” Kotulak said. “Not everyone can pull that off, but Steve sure could. He had the knack of being able to put a smile on your face when you listened to his work. I'll miss that. I already miss Steve.
Glenn Douglas Petty, three-time executive director of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, passed away due to complications of lymphoma on May 11, 2022, at the age of 65.
According to the Fauquier Times, Petty played “an integral role in the industry's efforts to bring parimutuel wagering to the Commonwealth and the formation of the Virginia Breeders Fund. He also served as a senior advisor to the Maryland Jockey Club during the development and opening years of Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, Va…. In addition to these roles, Glenn served as Interim Executive Director of the Virginia Horse Center, a job he dearly loved, and served as a member, and later chair, of the Virginia Horse Industry Board, appointed by former Governor Mark Warner.
“Though a 2014 diagnosis of CNS lymphoma impacted his work in the equine industry, he was a horseracing fan throughout his life. Along with his wife and children, Glenn watched Rich Strike win the Kentucky Derby in his hospital room, where his enthusiasm showed despite how poorly he felt.”
Read more at the Grand Island Independent and the Fauquier Times.
The post In Memoriam: Long-Time Fonner Announcer Steve Anderson Loses Battle With Cancer, Virginia’s Glen Douglas Petty Passes At 65 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
