Arizona RTIP Associate Coordinator Bracken Dies at 52
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Photo: Courtesy of the University of Arizona/Denise Pharris
Liz Bracken
Elizabeth "Liz" Bracken, a 16-year employee of the New York Racing Association and later an associate coordinator at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program, died Nov. 24 in Providence, R.I. She was 52.
A graduate of the RTIP, Bracken initially worked as a racing official before joining NYRA in 1997 as simulcast coordinator. Promoted to director of simulcasting in 2002, she became vice president of simulcasting there in 2008, overseeing NYRA's off-track network and coordinating simulcast distribution of the Belmont Stakes (G1).
She joined the RTIP in 2013, staying through this year, teaching students in classes on racing management, wagering, and racing laws and enforcement. She also assisted in the coordination of the RTIP's annual Global Symposium on Racing.
"She took a personal interest in all of the students," said RTIP director Wendy Davis. "All teachers do, but when our students worked with Liz, they knew where they wanted to go, what they wanted to do."
Bracken died from a recurrence of cancer after having previously been diagnosed with ovarian cancer before coming to Arizona, according to Davis.
"Her mind was set that she was going to beat it again," Davis said.
Bracken also worked as a racing official at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Hialeah Park, Tampa Bay Downs, Suffolk Downs, and Rockingham Park.
Born in Providence, Bracken was the daughter of Elizabeth "Betty" (O'Neil) Bracken, and the late Mark S. Bracken. She is survived by numerous family and friends. She was the companion of John A. Toto.
Her funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 27 at Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick, R.I., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m in St. Paul Church, 1 St. Paul Place, Edgewood, Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours are Nov. 26 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 will be appreciated.