A Tribute to RTIP’s Co-Founder and Pioneer, John K. “Jack” Goodman
It is with great sorrow that the Race Track Industry Program shares the news of the passing of the last living founder of the Program, John K. “Jack” Goodman.
Thanks to Goodman’s passion and foresight, the idea of a collegiate program to prepare young men and women to lead the pari-mutuel industry became a reality at the University of Arizona in 1973. His support and guidance of the RTIP continued through his lifetime.
Goodman was involved in all aspects of equestrian sport from polo ponies to race horses. His racing interests were diverse and spanned the globe from his own Team Spirit, the winner of the 1964 Grand National Steeplechase in Aintree, England to American Quarter horses campaigned with his dear friend Frank Vessels Jr, founder of Los Alamitos Race Course.
Goodman is honored by both the RTIP and the Jockey Club through scholarship funding and each year the RTIP bestows The John K. Goodman Alumni Award, for their outstanding contribution to the racing industry, to one of its distinguished alumni.