On Wednesday, August 14, horseman and former racing official Richard W. 'Dick' DeSantis passed away from cancer at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He was 64.
DeSantis had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer this spring, not long after he enjoyed an active winter and played golf with friends in Florida.
DeSantis, a native of New York, worked as a horseman for many years and raced at various east coast tracks and at Pompano Park. One of his best horses was Most Happy Flight, who he bonded with by feeding the horse Haagen-Dazs ice cream with a spoon. DeSantis then became a judge for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, working as an associate at Yonkers Raceway and the presiding judge at Vernon Downs. More recently, he founded Victory Lane, which produced a horse liniment.
DeSantis is survived by his wife, Kelli, and brother, Warren (Karen), a former general manager at Saratoga Raceway and race secretary, and one niece and one nephew.
Funeral arrangements will be posted when finalized.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Richard 'Dick' DeSantis.
(Harnessracing.com)
I am so shocked and saddened
I am so shocked and saddened to hear this news. I have dealt with Richard for years, he was a great guy and he loved life and especially his golf. My sincerest sympathy to his family.