Former racetrack executive Latta dies at age 60

Joseph “Brant” Latta, who held management positions at a number of racetracks over an 18-year career in the racing industry, died Monday at his home in Fort Smith, Ark., according to family members. Latta was 60.

An alumnus of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program, Latta worked at times as the general manager of Santa Anita Park, Turf Paradise, and Yakima Meadows. He was later elevated to senior vice president of racing operations for Magna Entertainment, the company that owned Santa Anita.

Latta resigned from Magna in 2008 and started his own insurance company, which he still owned at the time of his death, according to his family.

Born in Oklahoma City, Latta received an accounting degree at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and he then studied racetrack management at the University of Arizona. His first job was at the former Longacres Racetrack in Seattle, Wash., which closed in 1992.

Latta is survived by his wife of 27 years, Heather Latta; a daughter, Claire Rose; and a son, Brayden Latta. He had eight brothers and sisters, all of whom survive him.