COVID-19 Claims Life of Belmont Backstretch Worker

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COVID-19 Claims Life of Belmont Backstretch Worker
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Hotwalking horses on the Belmont Park backstretch

The continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic dealt Thoroughbred racing another blow April 7 when it claimed the life of Belmont Park backstretch worker and Panama native, Martin Zapata.

A member of New York-based trainer Tom Morley's team who lived and worked at Belmont, 63-year-old Zapata Zapata tested positive for COVID-19 on March 24 and was subsequently hospitalized on March 26, where he passed.

Zapata was one of 20 individuals living and working on the Belmont backstretch reported to have tested positive for the virus as of April 6. At the time the count of the infected was made, nine people were said to be recovering in isolation at a quarantine facility on Belmont's property, while the additional 11 were convalescing off-site. New York Racing Association spokesman Patrick McKenna confirmed that Zapata had been one of the 20 reported infected and that he had been hospitalized off-campus to undergo treatment. 

"Martin Zapata worked for me for two years, today COVID-19 took Martin from us," read a tweet sent from Morley's Twitter account. "Words cannot describe how his family must feel, and we his racetrack family. He always had the brightest of smiles. Our family has lost a member, NY racing and Panama a son. God Speed Martin." 

Morley could not be reached for additional comment Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association released a statement that included Morley's comment: "Martin was a beloved member of our team for the past two years who always greeted you at the door with a huge smile. He'll be sorely missed by all those in the New York racing community and further afield as well as his family in Panama."

Morley has set up a GoFundMe account for Zapata's family. Donations can be made by clicking here.

Kerry Gara, another of Morley's employees, posted her own tribute to her colleague on Twitter following the news stating that Zapata "never failed to put a smile on mine and everyone else's faces each day at the barn." 

With racing currently suspended in New York as part of efforts to contain the virus throughout the state, NYRA, along with the NYTHA, the New York division of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, the Backstretch Employee Service Team, and the Belmont Child Care Association have worked diligently to monitor the health and welfare of backstretch employees. New York State currently has the most COVID-19 deaths reported in the United States, and New York City, which is located less than 20 miles from Belmont Park, has been hit hardest by positive test results and deaths.

"We at NYRA offer our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Martin Zapata, a beloved member of our New York racing community and a respected horseman," said NYRA president and CEO David O'Rourke. "During these troubling times, we stand together with our colleagues at NYTHA, B.E.S.T, Belmont Child Care Association, and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy to offer comfort for all who are mourning Martin and to continue to support the ongoing needs of the backstretch community."

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our community. Martin was a well-regarded horseman who always demonstrated great care and joy in his work. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends," said NYTHA president Joe Appelbaum.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to those closest to Martin at this difficult time," said Humberto Chavez, who heads RTCA-NY. "The racetrack community here in New York is one big family and it is in times like these that we must reach out and support one another."

"NYTHA, NYRA, BEST, RTCA-NY, and all of us individually are here to support the Zapata family, his co-workers, and friends," said Appelbaum.  "A celebration of life will be held in his honor once restrictions on social gatherings are removed."