Charles “Chuck” Bailey, former president of Mountaineer Park’s Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, died Jan. 3 after a long battle with cancer. Bailey, 65, lived in New Cumberland, W.Va. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio.
According to The Review of East Liverpool, Bailey owned and trained horses at Mountaineer for more than 35 years and served as president of the HBPA for 11 years prior to retiring in June 2008. During his tenure as president, he and his wife, Lora, worked to establish the Mountaineer Park HBPA Trust Fund that has provided millions of dollars in medical and dental benefits to horsemen and their children. Also under Bailey’s leadership, the HBPA succeeded in passing legislation establishing the HBPA Horsemen's Pension to provide horsemen the opportunity for retirement income. Last July, the National HBPA adopted a formal resolution honoring Bailey for his lifelong contributions to racing.
In addition to Lora, Bailey’s survivors include a son, Charles, and a daughter, Michelle. Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Newell Chapel of the Nixon Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held on Jan. 6.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mountaineer Race Track Chaplaincy, c/o Mountaineer HBPA, P.O. Box 486, Newell, W.Va. 26050.