The New York Racing Association will name a race in memory of Steve Schwartz, former director of media relations for the company, at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 13.
Schwartz’s family will take part in a winner’s circle ceremony following the second race (approximate 1:30 p.m. post time). An informal gathering in Schwartz’ honor will take place at 7 p.m. that evening at Lillian’s Restaurant in downtown Saratoga. Those interested in attending should contact Steve’s son Eric at eric.j.schwartz@gmail.com
Schwartz, 64 at the time of his death last November, joined NYRA in 1979 as assistant manager of sports publicity and was promoted to director of media relations in 1983, a role he held until 1991, when he left to become media director at The Racing Times. He also served as executive assistant to the president at NYRA.
After working with The Racing Times, Schwartz joined the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority’s Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands as the morning line maker, program analyst, and TV analyst. He went on to become media relations director for the NJSEA tracks.
A New York native who attended Dickinson College and New York University, Schwartz was introduced to racing at a young age. According to his profile on www.propickracing.com, where he served as a handicapper, Schwartz made his first racing decision when he opted to catch the final four races at Yonkers Raceway after his high school graduation.
His official racing career began at American Turf Monthly and as an editor for Sports Action, where he made national Thoroughbred selections. Later, Schwartz became the handicapper for the Philadelphia Journal. He listed his handicapping claim to fame as picking the exact order of finish from first to last for Spectacular Bid’s 1979 Preakness win.
President of the Turf Publicists of America from 1988-1990, he was an honorary lifetime member of that organization.