Berkeley, Calif. — Sam Spear, a Northern California media icon and sportscaster who promoted thoroughbred racing in the Bay Area for 50 years, died in October 2021 at the age of 72. Spear and his dedication to Thoroughbred horse racing and Golden Gate Fields will host an annual Sam Spear Memorial to him starting this year. The 2022 edition will take place on Labor Day on Monday, September 5th.
Formerly known as the Rolling Green Stakes, the Sam Spear Memorial is a 1-mile and 16th turf race for ages 3 and up. A $50,000 wallet is provided. Twenty-nine colts and geldings make up the nomination list, with official entries for the Sam Spear Memorial and the rest of Monday’s cards drawn this Friday.
Sam Speer held advertising manager positions at Golden Gate Field and Bay Meadows for most of his career. He made his debut in 1978 and until 2018 he hosted the popular weekly Sunday morning radio show “At the Track with Sam Spear” and his replays of the daily races broadcast on KTSF-TV. Did. Spear had strong ties to Bay Area newspapers, radio and television stations and was a key figure in working with these channels to promote horse racing. I consulted celebrities. Among them are rapper MC Hammer, Hall of Fame baseball player Joe DiMaggio, and Hall of Fame baseball manager Earl Weaver.
said David Duggan, vice president and general manager of Golden Gate Fields. “He was an encyclopedia of sports knowledge, very connected, and did a lot for the community. It will be remembered in a very positive light.”
Live racing resumes this Friday afternoon at Golden Gate Field. His four-day race week is ready with a traditional Friday-Sunday race program and a Labor Day Monday holiday card. First post on each race day at 1:45pm. For more information, visit goldengatefields.com.
Golden Gate Field press release
Photo by Vassar Photography
