Paddock judge Ramon Muniz dies at 65

Ramon Muniz, the longtime paddock judge at Fair Grounds, was found dead in his home Saturday after failing to show up for work.

Muniz, 65, was the brother of Mervin Muniz, who was Fair Grounds’ racing secretary from 1976 until his passing in 2003 and for whom the Mervin Muniz Handicap is named.

Ramon Muniz also logged decades of work at Fair Grounds and served stints at the now-defunct Jefferson Downs in suburban New Orleans and at Evangeline Downs.

The Muniz brothers were introduced to the racing game by their father, Ramon “Blackie” Muniz, a jockey’s agent. Ramon is survived by a brother, Bobby Muniz.

Arrangements are pending. While Muniz was found deceased, foul play is not suspected, and the coroner did not order an autopsy.