Renowned Track Super Joe King Dies at 80

Blood-Horse

Joe King, former track superintendent at the New York Racing Association and U.S. Army veteran, died April 21. He was 80.

A native of Queens, N.Y., King got his start with NYRA after working for the company that rebuilt Aqueduct Racetrack in the 1950s and ascended to the role of track superintendent in 1970. His legacy at the company includes the installation of Aqueduct’s inner track, which he proposed in the mid-1970s as a means to safely conduct winter racing. In 1975, with NYRA’s consent, King opened his own consulting firm, which he turned to full time at the conclusion of the 1994 season.

In addition to his impact at NYRA, King was integral to the construction of racing surfaces at Arlington International Park, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, Prairie Meadows, and Turfway Park. He was also a key figure in the implementation of the first synthetic track in the U.S. at Remington Park, designed a seven-furlong dirt track at Chantilly in France, and helped improve the condition of dirt tracks in South America.

A wake for King will be held at Fairchild Sons Funeral Chapel, 1570 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, N.Y., 11030, on April 23 from 7-9 p.m. and April 24 from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church, 1327 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington, N.Y., 11050, April 25 at 9:30 a.m.

King was predeceased by his wife, Joan. He is survived by a son, Joseph; daughters, Sarah Anne and Barbara; and five grandchildren.