Howard, Pimlico-based trainer, dies at 45

David Howard, 45, a trainer based at Pimlico Race Course, died Friday evening after suffering a heart attack, according to racing officials at the Maryland Jockey Club.

A native of Germantown, Maryland, Howard began his training career in 2021 and saddled his first winner in the second race at Laurel on Feb. 27, 2022, when Hot Choice was placed first via disqualification.

Last year, Howard trained the winners of 14 races from 141 starts for earnings of $521,646. Overall, his charges won 28 races from 250 starts for career earnings of $930,772. His 4-year-old filly, Thencomemorning, scored in gate-to-wire fashion at Laurel on Friday afternoon.

“His smile and laughter were contagious,” trainer Tim Vick commented on Facebook. “He will truly be missed at the gap at Pimlico in the morning.”

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