Retired Jockey, Steward Passmore Dies

Retired jockey and racing official William J. Passmore died May 14 at his residence near Annapolis, Maryland. The Westchester, Pa., native was 76.

Passmore, who was known on the Maryland circuit as “Willy J.,” retired in 1984 after 37 years as a jockey. Beginning with his first victory with Minneapolis on May 14, 1948, Passmore rode 3,533 winners from 29,490 mounts, with earnings of almost $23 million.

Upon retirement, Passmore became a steward of the Maryland Racing Commission, a position from which he retired in fall 2008.