Former Belmont official dies at 76

Richard L. Hamilton, a former steward and longtime racing official for The New York Racing Association, Inc., who worked at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course, died on April 18 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, after suffering a heart attack. He was 76 years old.

According to Peter Hammell, former director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, Hamilton had been taken to Saratoga Hospital on April 17 after complaining of severe pain in his neck and jaw. Shortly after his arrival, he suffered a heart attack and was immediately transported to St. Peter’s Hospital. He was taken off life support at 6 p.m. on April 18, Hammell said.

A native of Lowell, Mass., Hamilton graduated from Emerson College in 1958 and served in the U.S. Army until 1961. After stints as a newsman for The Daily Racing Form, various radio stations in New England and ABC radio, Hamilton began working for the Jockey Club in 1972. In 1975 he left the to join NYRA as a racing official.

At NYRA, Hamilton served in a variety of capacities, including as clerk of the course, a paddock judge, a placing judge and an alternate steward. He was appointed a NYRA Steward in 1989, a position he held for six years.

“As a steward, Dick was very professional and very thorough,” said Carmine Donofrio, steward of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, who worked with Hamilton at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. “He was a very intelligent man, very funny, and a great guy,” she added. “He really loved horse racing.”

In 1995, Hamilton accepted an early retirement package from NYRA, and subsequently became the communications officer for the Museum of Racing. There, he helped develop the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and organized several free public seminars for fans. Although officially retiring in 2005, he continued working as a volunteer and, according to Hammell, enjoyed volunteering at Saratoga Hospital and in the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s History Room.

“Dick Hamilton was an invaluable contributor to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, both during his years here as our communications officer and also in recent years as a volunteer,” said Christopher Dragone, the museum’s current director.

“His knowledge of thoroughbred racing and his passion for the sport and the Museum were evident to all who knew him. He was one of the true gentlemen in racing and was beloved in the Saratoga community. Dick was a wonderful ambassador for the Museum and the sport in general. He was instrumental in the development of the Hall of Fame ceremony and numerous public programs here at the Museum. He will be missed by everyone who had the fortune of knowing him.”

Hamilton is survived by a niece, Mary Lake, as well as three nephews, Philip, David and Steven Biati, the children of his predeceased sister, Audrey Biati. A memorial service for Hamilton will be held in Saratoga Springs during the racing season.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Saratoga Care Foundation: 211 Church St. in Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances can be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.