RIP Mike Mayo

All of us at HANA were saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Mayo following a brief illness.  Mike was the longtime chairman of the National Handicapping Championship Players' Committee, and worked tirelessly to represent all of our thoughts and concerns.  In addition to those duties, Mike was an extremely accomplished horseplayer, qualifying for the National Handicapping Championship ten times.

Racing will miss Mike Mayo. A good man who truly cared about the horseplayer.
— Mike Maloney  (@Silk1900) September 19, 2014

A very sad day for the NTRA, the NHC and horseplayers across the U.S. RIP Mike Mayo, 1954-2014 http://t.co/9J0YkKDtDW via @sharethis
— Alex Waldrop (@AlexWaldrop) September 19, 2014

Our deepest condolences go out to all of Mike's family and friends.  Per the NTRA release linked in Mr. Waldrop's tweet above funeral arrangements for Mike were still pending, however, Mike did make it clear that he was not a big fan of flowers. He asked that horseplayers and friends consider a contribution to Old Friends retirement farm, to go toward the care of the beautiful animals that brought him so much pleasure. Contributions can be made directly to Old Friends, 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY 40324 or online via PayPal at www.oldfriendsequine.org.