Racing executive and regulator Stan Bowker dies at age 81

Stan Bowker, a longtime steward and racing executive who was instrumental in the opening of several racetracks, died on Sept. 10 in Clearwater, Fla., after a long illness, according to family members. Bowker was 81.

Bowker, who retired in 2021 after five decades in the racing industry, played roles in the establishment of new racetracks in Iowa and Virginia, and he was also a contributor to the opening and reopening of Canterbury Park in Minnesota. In all three cases, he also served in executive roles at the tracks.

Roughly halfway through his career, Bowker transitioned into a regulatory role in racing and was honored for his achievements with the sport’s highest awards.

Following the opening of Colonial Downs in Virginia in the late 1990s, Bowker was asked to join the newly established Virginia Racing Commission as its first senior steward. When the commission’s executive director stepped down after one year on the job, Bowker was given the job, and he served as both the senior steward and executive director during the state’s formative years.

In the 2000s, Bowker played a critical role in the establishment of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, which created a national set of standards and continuing education programs for stewards in 2006. He served as ROAP’s first chairman for seven years and taught 10 continuing education courses.

In 2010, Bowker was hired as a steward at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas and Indiana Grand. He served in both roles until his retirement in 2021.

Bowker was given the Len Foote Award in 2006, the highest award given by the Association of Racing Commissioners International, for his lifetime contribution to regulatory issues. In 2018, he was given the Pete Pedersen Award, the highest honor awarded to stewards. He is the only individual to receive both awards.

“Racing has lost one of its all-time great contributors, but I and the many others who knew him have lost an all-time great teacher, mentor, champion, and friend,” said his son Todd. “He loved helping people, and if you asked him what he was most proud of he would tell you he loved seeing the people he worked with succeed.”

Bowker is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy; his son Todd, who has had his own varied career in racing; and his brother Clayton.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.