Longtime Racing Exec Benoit Dead At 81

[Alan07]

From Del Mar Press Box and has been edited

RACING EXECUTIVE
BOB BENOIT DIES AT 81

Robert P. (Bob ) Benoit, 81, died Friday afternoon at Centinela Valley Hospital in Inglewood, Calif., after a lengthy illness. Cause of death was pneumonia.

Benoit, a longtime Thoroughbred racing executive in Southern California, founded and was president of Benoit and Associates, track photographers on the circuit of Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Del Mar and Fairplex Park.

Additionally, he was Director of Publicity at Playfair Race Course in Spokane, Washington and served as an auxiliary steward representing the Washington Horse Racing Commission. He also was a partner in a public relations firm which promoted the Hambletonian Trotting Classic at DuQuoin, Illinois.

In 2004, he became the first recipient of the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award, given to a person who has served the sport with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction.

"To be the inaugural winner of an indescribable honor, the high point of my career of more than a half-century, I'm truly overwhelmed," said Benoit.
Funeral services are pending.