Fan, owner Henry Mayer dies at age 85

Longtime harness racing owner and fan Henry D. Mayer, 85 passed away peacefully Dec. 29 at his home in suburban Orlando after battling bone cancer. His wife, Patricia, was at his side. The Mayers had enjoyed a longand loving relationship for over 30 years being partners not only in life but in business.

 

Mr. Mayer's passion for the horse was unequaled. His support and involvement in harness racing continued for almost 40 years. His ownership and partnerships, most recently under the name of Terrax Inc., included suchgreats as Niatross and McKenzie Almahurst and many other good racehorses and stakes winners with trainers George Sholty and Billy Haughton. He and Patricia currently have several horses in training with their good friend and trainer, Jimmy Doherty, including Whata Winner, a Credit Winner trotter who won at Yonkers Raceway earlier in the month.

 

The favorite time of the year for Henry was attending the Grand Circuit meet in Lexington, Ky., where,weather permitting, he sat in his railbird box for the entire day enjoying the races. Evenings would be spent attending the horse sales at Fasig Tipton, where he had trouble not raising his hand for a purchase.

 

His enthusiasm for our industry and his deep love of the horse will be remembered fondly. Always the consummate gentleman, Henry will be greatly missed in harness racing by all of us that knew him and held him in such high regard.--By Carol Cramer