Longtime Delaware Park racing analyst Rich Glazier dies at age 73

Rich Glazier, the popular Delaware Park paddock and television host and racing ambassador for better than three decades, passed away Tuesday at his home in Wilmington, Delaware. He was 73.

A veteran of the U. S. Army, Glazier spent 18 months in Vietnam during the war, serving two tours in the intelligence division. A Delaware native and lifelong passionate racing fan, Glazier decided to pursue a career at the racetrack in 1987 after surviving a pair of heart attacks he felt were caused by the stress of his work as an accountant.

He began his professional career at Delaware Park by hosting "Delaware Park Today", a replay show on local cable, before being named Delaware Park's public relations director. He eventually created and hosted "Delaware Racing Scene,” a popular weekly show featuring national and local racing personalities that was seen in Delaware and the Philadelphia area, effectively becoming the face of the racetrack.

In later years Glazier - who specialized in turf breeding - was Delaware Park's paddock host and handicapper, what he considered a dream job after spending much of his young life attending the races at the Stanton, Del., oval. The fact he was a racing fan first was apparent, as Glazier spent much of his day mingling with racegoers and soliciting feedback from horseplayers on bettering the ontrack experience. His easygoing nature and sense of humor made him a popular figure among fans, horsemen, and jockeys alike.

Glazier is survived by his wife of 49 years, Amy; sons David and Michael; daughters-in-law Katie and Julie; grandchildren Sydney, Zachary, Jacob, Samuel, and Nora; brother Brad; sister-in-law Michelle; and niece Jenna.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude's Hospital for Children, the Siegel JCC Senior Center, or the charity of your choice.