The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced the passing of the longtime director of horsemen's relations Carmen Barrera, who died unexpectedly Thursday in Saratoga Springs, New York. She was 60.
Barrera joined NYRA in 1978, the same year that her uncle Laz Barrera campaigned Triple Crown winner Affirmed, and began her career at NYRA in guest services as a white cap before moving to horsemen's relations. She spent 41 years at NYRA in total. Her father, Luis, was a trainer as well, campaigning Summing to victory in the 1981 Belmont S. and her cousin, Juan Dominguez, is NYRA's racing facilities coordinator.
“Carmen Barrera was a helping hand and guiding light for countless guests, horsemen and employees for the last four decades,” said NYRA Board of Directors Chairman Michael Del Giudice. “Carmen was a special part of the fabric of racing in New York, and she will be missed deeply.”
When asked last year to pick her most memorable Belmont S., she answered, “How can I pick just one?”
“In 1978, my uncle Laz won the Belmont S. and the Triple Crown with Affirmed,” she said. “And three years later, in 1981, my father Luis, won the Belmont S. with Summing. I was so proud of my dad that day: Summing ended Pleasant Colony's Triple Crown bid and George Martens rode a great race. The Belmont was the Triple Crown race my father had wanted to win because it was our home track.”
In remembrance of Barrera, NYRA held a moment of silence for her following yesterday's second race at Saratoga Race Course as employees gathered in the winner's circle.
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