Harry Meyerhoff, who campaigned champion Spectacular Bid, passed away last Thursday due to complications of a stroke. He was 86. Born and raised in Baltimore, Meyerhoff and older brother Robert Meyerhoff were successful in residential real estate development. He began to develop his passion for racing in the early 1970s and reached the pinnacle of the sport when Spectacular Bid captured the 1979 GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. Campaigned with his son Tom, Spectacular Bid was named champion at two and three and Horse of the Year at age four. Meyerhoff also campaigned stakes winners Dispersal and Sunny Sunrise.
Four days after his death, Meyerhoff was provided a fitting tribute at Laurel Park when Marengo Road, campaigned with his son Tom, captured Monday's Miracle Wood S. “Racing really lost a hero,” trainer Michael Trombetta said in the winner's circle. “He was a wonderful man.”
Meyerhoff was pre-deceased by his wife Mary Jo, who passed away in 2013. He is survived by his brother Robert, sons Tom and Jack, daughter Karen Sweet and stepson David Williams, as well as five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The Foxie G Foundation (www.thefoxiegfoundation.org) or Talbot Special Riders, Inc. (www.talbotspecialriders.com).
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