Ralph Vacca

A celebration of the life of longtime Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association general manager Ralph Vacca will be held at the Morris J. Alhadeff Sales Pavilion at Emerald Downs Aug. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Vacca spent 47 years at the WTBOA, moving up the ladder to serve as general manager from May 1973 until his retirement in December 2007. He also spent several years in Kentucky, working at Stoner Creek Farm, Claiborne Farm, the Daily Racing Form and the Thoroughbred Record. Vacca passed away last July at 84.

Former Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association General Manager Ralph Vacca passed away in his home in Auburn, WA, July 20. He was 84. Among those surviving Vacca are children Darrell (Linda) Vacca, Melanie (Tom) Bidman, Dionne Stein, Kyle Vacca and Rachel (Rich) Pring; grandchildren, Rafe, Josh, Kevin, Garrett, Teddy and Julian; great-grandchild, Caelin; brother, Richard (Linda) Vacca. A memorial scholarship in Ralph Vacca's name is currently being established. Remembrances may be sent: c/o Washington Thoroughbred Foundation, 3220 Ron Crockett Dr NW, Auburn, WA 98001. Born in Seattle, the first...