Longtime horse racing publicist Steven Schwartz died on the morning of Nov. 20 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune following complications from surgery. He was 64.
A native of New York, Schwartz was a resident of Monmouth Beach, N.J.
An avid racing fan, Schwartz began his career at American Turf Monthly and as editor of Sports Action, where he made national Thoroughbred selections. He went on to be the handicapper for the Philadelphia Journal.
Schwartz was an executive assistant to the president at the New York Racing Association and the director of media relations for NYRA’s racetracks from 1983-91, when he left to become media director at The Racing Times. He later joined New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority’s Monmouth Park and Meadowlands as the morning-line maker, program analyst, and TV analyst. He was later named media relations director for the NJSEA tracks.
“I had the great pleasure of working with Steve while he was at the NJSEA. He was universally liked and appreciated for his knowledge and love of the Thoroughbred game,” said Hal Handel, NYRA executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Everyone at NYRA who was fortunate enough to know him mourns his passing and extends our sincere condolences to his family.”
President of the Turf Publicists of America from 1988-90, Schwartz was an honorary lifetime member of that organization.
Schwartz is survived by his son, Eric, and daughter, Meagan. No immediate arrangements are planned. A celebration of life will be scheduled next summer at Saratoga.