Longtime trainer Howard Zucker dies in Calif. at age 74

Veteran trainer Howard Zucker, a well-respected horseman with a small barn, died Thursday at USC Keck Hospital in Los Angeles at age 74.

Zucker, who had not been feeling well during the summer, had undergone a heart procedure last week and apparently had struggled to recover afterward.

Based in New York before arriving in Southern California around 1980, Zucker trained for a brief time for Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss.  Born May 20, 1948, Zucker saddled his last winner July 24, when his talented 3-year-old filly Gracelund Gray won the 11th race at Del Mar.

Affable and a dedicated New York Yankees fan, Zucker also was a staunch advocate for the horse, evidenced by his multiple leadership roles with the California Retirement Management Account. Zucker joined the board of directors of CARMA in May 2009 and served in many leadership positions including as president from 2016 to 2019.

“I am devastated by the news of Howard’s passing yesterday,” said Lucinda Lovitt, CARMA executive director. “He was a tireless champion for the horses and believed so strongly in CARMA’s mission, I just can’t imagine our board without him. I know I speak for the entire CARMA Board of Directors when I say he will be greatly, greatly missed.”

Zucker’s top horse may have been Crafty C. T., who won the San Rafael Stakes (G2) with Eddie Delahoussaye up on March 2, 2001, and subsequently finished second to Point Given in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). By Crafty Prospector, Crafty C. T. was owned by Carl Grether and retired with earnings of $832,652 from an overall mark of 18: 4-5-5.

Zucker had 2,223 career starts as a trainer and 246 wins. He was survived by his wife Lorraine.

Memorial services had not determined by Friday afternoon.