Glazier, Former Delaware Paddock Host, Dies at 73

Rich Glazier, the former paddock and television replay show host at Delaware Park, died June 22 at his home in Wilmington, Del. He was 73.

The Delaware native started his career at the Stanton-oval as the host of the local replay show on cable in 1987. He also developed and hosted the "Delaware Racing Scene Show" highlighting the best of Delaware Park racing and the sport on the national level. In his more than three decades at Delaware Park, Glazier held numerous positions, including paddock handicapper and analyst where he became popular with his insightful and fun interviews with almost every popular personality in Mid-Atlantic racing.  

As a lifelong fan of Delaware Park, he took tremendous pride in only missing one Delaware Handicap (now a G2), which was in 1968 while he was serving one of his two tours during his 18 months of service as a veteran in the intelligence division of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

"He was more than I could have ever hoped for when we brought him on board in 1987," said executive director of racing, John Mooney. "When he first approached me with the idea of working at Delaware Park and hosting a cable show highlighting racing, I was not sure. He was married with two young children and he wanted to give up his job as an accountant to work at a track that at the time was struggling. But he made it work and he did an incredible and professional job.

"He gained the respect of everyone and made friends throughout the industry. He was as great a representative for Delaware Park as there could be and he will be greatly missed."

Since his death on Tuesday, numerous individuals have taken to social media to post their appreciation for Glazier.

"If ever there was the ultimate ambassador of racing, especially local racing, Rich Glazier was it," tweeted Bill Sadoo June 25. "Never took himself too seriously but always serious enough that you respected what he said."

Glazier interviewed some of the leading jockeys in the country, including Jerry Bailey and Ramon Dominquez when they were riding.

"Hard to believe our good friend Rich Glazier is not here with us," Dominquez tweeted June 23. "His warm personality will forever live in my mind. Rich was a great person, always positive and smiling. Wishing his family peace through this difficult time. Rest In Peace, my friend."

Glazier is survived by his wife of 49 years, Amy; sons David and Michael; daughters-in-law Katie and Julie; grandchildren Sydney, Zachary, Jacob, Samuel, and Nora; brother Brad; sister-in-law Michelle; and niece Jenna.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude's Hospital for Children, the Siegel JCC Senior Center, or a charity of choice.