Prominent Horseman Norm Barron Dies at 74
Norm Barron, a prominent horseman and racing authority has passed away at the age of 74. An outstanding individual with a passion for racing, the Cincinnati native had a wide and lasting influence on the sport and on many levels. Barron was a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, the University of Cincinnati College of Business Administration and the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He is scheduled to be honored by the University of Cincinnati Law Alumni Association in downtown Cincinnati this Friday.
What made Barron so valuable to thoroughbred racing is the fact that he has experienced the sport from all sides. He owned and bred horses prior to his appointment in 1983 to the Ohio State Racing Commission. He served on the Commission for twenty years from 1983-1995, during six of those years he served as the Chairman. He was also a part of the O.S.R.C. from 1999 through April of 2007 and served again as Chairman for two years during that period. As testimony to his thorough dedication to racing he attended over
300 consecutive meetings of the O.S.R.C., with never having missed a regular or Special Meeting during his 20-plus years as a Member. Prominent Ohio Horseman Norm Barron Dies
Barron's impact on racing was not limited to the State of Ohio. He was a member of the Board of Directors and a past Chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International. In addition he served as a Trustee of R.C.I. Integrity Services, a not-for-profit corporation that is a subsidiary of the R.C.I. that provides integrity services to racing commissions and wagering system operators. In 1983 he presided as Chairman and President of the Association of Racing Commissioners. In 2003 he received the prestigious Joan Pew Award, being recognized as the most outstanding Racing Regulator of the year. Barron was the senior Managing Partner in the law firm of Barron, Peck, Bennie & Schlemmer and was a former partner with Brooks, Kelly & Barron. He had extensive experience in administrative law areas and from 1964 through 1970 he was special counsel to then Attorney General of Ohio, William Saxbe.
In Ohio, Barron is credited with conceiving the "7 & 7" wagering format and he created the concept of the "Best of Ohio" series of races. This divisional competition in the fall is considered Ohio's version of the Breeders' Cup. Barron has recently returned to racing as an owner and is the Managing Member of Best of Ohio Stables, LLC.
Barron passed away at his home surrounded by his family. His wife Judy, sons Michael and Hal and daughter Esther survive him. Services will be at Weil Funeral Home, 8350 Cornell Road Monday, June 7. For time of service you may call the funeral home 469-9347.
What made Barron so valuable to thoroughbred racing is the fact that he has experienced the sport from all sides. He owned and bred horses prior to his appointment in 1983 to the Ohio State Racing Commission. He served on the Commission for twenty years from 1983-1995, during six of those years he served as the Chairman. He was also a part of the O.S.R.C. from 1999 through April of 2007 and served again as Chairman for two years during that period. As testimony to his thorough dedication to racing he attended over
300 consecutive meetings of the O.S.R.C., with never having missed a regular or Special Meeting during his 20-plus years as a Member. Prominent Ohio Horseman Norm Barron Dies
Barron's impact on racing was not limited to the State of Ohio. He was a member of the Board of Directors and a past Chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International. In addition he served as a Trustee of R.C.I. Integrity Services, a not-for-profit corporation that is a subsidiary of the R.C.I. that provides integrity services to racing commissions and wagering system operators. In 1983 he presided as Chairman and President of the Association of Racing Commissioners. In 2003 he received the prestigious Joan Pew Award, being recognized as the most outstanding Racing Regulator of the year. Barron was the senior Managing Partner in the law firm of Barron, Peck, Bennie & Schlemmer and was a former partner with Brooks, Kelly & Barron. He had extensive experience in administrative law areas and from 1964 through 1970 he was special counsel to then Attorney General of Ohio, William Saxbe.
In Ohio, Barron is credited with conceiving the "7 & 7" wagering format and he created the concept of the "Best of Ohio" series of races. This divisional competition in the fall is considered Ohio's version of the Breeders' Cup. Barron has recently returned to racing as an owner and is the Managing Member of Best of Ohio Stables, LLC.
Barron passed away at his home surrounded by his family. His wife Judy, sons Michael and Hal and daughter Esther survive him. Services will be at Weil Funeral Home, 8350 Cornell Road Monday, June 7. For time of service you may call the funeral home 469-9347.
