Ken Lennox, former Monmouth official, dies

Ken Lennox, a racing official at Monmouth Park for 45 years who retired in 1986 as the track's director of racing, died Tuesday at age 88, according to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

Bob Kulina, Monmouth's vice president and general manager, called Lennox "the most influential man in the history of Monmouth Park," citing his ability to attract racing champions to the track in the 1970's and 1980's and his mentorship of a number of high-profile racing officials, including the former chief operating officer of the Maryland Jockey Club, Lou Raffetto, and a former New York Racing Association president, Kenny Noe.

Lennox worked his way up to being director of racing at Monmouth after serving as a stall man, paddock judge, placing judge, steward, and racing secretary. While he was director of racing, champions Buckpasser, Foolish Pleasure, Ruffian, and Spectacular Bid raced at Monmouth.