Stan Bowker, a longtime management executive who also served as a steward at several racetracks, passed away Sept. 10 in Clearwater, Florida after a long illness.
After 17 1/2 years at Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha, Nebraska where he rose to become the director of racing, Bowker made stops at Canterbury Downs and Will Rogers Downs. He was also a senior steward at Colonial Downs and spent 11 years as a judge at Oaklawn Park, Indiana Grand, and as recently as 2021, at Canterbury Park.
Bowker established a consulting company to assist new tracks by advising them about everything from licensing to how to open a racing facility. A Racing Officials Accreditation Program founding member, the veteran racetracker received awards for professional excellence.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Judy Bowker, son Todd Bowker–both of Clearwater–and his brother Clayton Bowker of Omaha. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to the Permanently Disabled Jockey's Fund.
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