Former Thoroughbred owner and trainer Michael P. Becker died May 23 after a long illness with diabetes in Monroe, N.Y. He was 49.

Becker started his racing career as a hot walker in his teens and worked his way up to become an owner and trainer. For a large part of his career, he worked for trainer Howard Tesher.

Becker’s most successful horse was multiple graded stakes winner Influent, who scored his big victories as a 6-year-old in the 1997 Man o’ War Stakes (gr. IT) at Belmont and the Ceasars International Handicap (gr. IT) at Atlantic City. He retired with career earnings of $956,601.

A native of Englewood, N.J., Becker is survived by his father and long-time caregiver, Melvin; his sister, Helaine Goldman; and several nieces and nephews.