Pete Kules, co-founder of the Horse Racing Radio Network, died Dec. 19 at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Ky. He was 76. Kules, a Massachusetts native and military veteran, attended Princeton before earning his degree at the University of Massachusetts. During his radio and television career, Kules covered major sports at every level. He hosted several sports and racing talk shows, and served as owner, publisher and writer for a number of magazines and newspapers. Along with HRRN president Mike Penna, he hosted the "Equine Forum," a horse racing talk show in Lexington. Kules and Penna launched the Horse Racing Radio Network in 2005. Kules began his career in racing as a hot walker at the Massachusetts fairs in 1943. Following stints as a groom, veterinarian assistant, and assistant starter, Kules parlayed his experience on the backside to become a track announcer, track handicapper and host of seminars at various racetracks including Churchill Downs, Saratoga, Thistledown and Finger Lakes.
