Trainer Roy Spradling Dead

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Midwest trainer Roy Spradling, who trained the first winner at Sam Houston Race Park, died in December from complications from a stroke. He was 70.

On April 29, 1994, at Sam Houston, Spradling helped make history by sending out the track's first winner. Sir Fitzwillie, owned by Rick and Sue Doti, won the restricted Mesquite Handicap at the Texas track.

Spradling, who trained from 1987 to 2004, saddled 103 winners from 1,071 starters, including five other stakes winners.

Spradling is survived by his wife, Sondra, and four children.

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