Pimlico-based trainer David Howard passed away the evening of March 15 after suffering a heart attack. He was 45.
Howard’s death was first reported by Daily Racing Form.
A Maryland native, Howard began his training career in November 2021. His first win came Feb. 27, 2022 when Hot Choice , a 6-year-old mare, won a claiming race at Laurel Park via disqualification. On March 26, 2022, Howard saw a horse of his cross the finish line in front for the first time with 4-year-old filly Charliv in a Turfway Park claimer.
After a total of 250 starts, Howard’s horses won 28 times with 29 seconds, and 42 thirds for earnings of $930,772. In 2024, he had a 15% win rate and was 45% in the money, both numbers ahead of his career averages.
Howard raced two horses the day of his passing, winning the fourth race at Laurel Park with 4-year-old filly Thencomemorning for owner Roger Sterling. The filly went wire-to-wire to win by 4 3/4 lengths in a claiming race. One race later, his 4-year-old filly Goldrush Hottie finished fifth in a maiden special weight while returning from an eight-month layoff.
Trainer Antonio Machado posted on X, “We had the very sad news of the passing of trainer David Howard. To his friends and family our deepest condolences for such a tragic event. Pimlico is a sad place today. He truly will be missed.”
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