Former Hialeah Park President Eugene Ewan Mori, Jr. passed away at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Aug. 30, reports the Sun Sentinel. He was 92 years old.
Mori was the son of Eugene V. Mori, Sr., owner of multiple racetracks including Garden State in Cherry Hill, N.J., Hialeah Park in Miami, Fla., and controlling interest in Tanforan out in California.
Mori was also instrumental in ending segregation at Hialeah Park in the 1960's, beginning with celebrated singer and dancer Cab Calloway in 1961.
The Sun Sentinel reports the day Calloway visited Hialeah Park:
“Mr. Calloway approached the doorman of the club house and attempted entry. The doorman would not allow him in as Hialeah was segregated. Mr. Calloway insisted that the doorman call the president of the track. Mr. Mori happened to be having lunch at the club that day. The doorman contacted Mr. Mori and said Mr. Cab Calloway was at the door and wants to come in. Mr. Mori asked, the doorman, 'Is Mr. Calloway wearing a jacket and tie?' As that was the dress code for all, 'If not give him one and let him in, and tell him he is my guest for lunch.' Eugene had been a great admirer of Cab Calloway and his music, and felt privileged to meet him that day. From that day on Eugene Mori, Jr. ended Segregation at Hialeah Racetrack.”
Read more at the Sun Sentinel.
The post Former Hialeah President Eugene Mori, Instrumental In Ending Segregation At Florida Track, Dies At 92 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
