Stock-winning trainer William G. Lagorio, president of the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Riders Association, lost his long battle with pancreatic cancer on March 19. He is 63 years old.
“There are more than 500 tributes to him posted on Facebook. He’s the absolute best. He made everyone smile, including his doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital, throughout. the time he courageously faced this terrible disease,” sister Judy told Lagorio Golditch.
Lagorio, who has been riding horses for more than 35 years, is a longtime fixture at the tracks on the old New England track. He’s famous for giving young riders, including jockey Janelle Campbell, a foot in the sport and for keeping the welcome mat at his barn.
“His locker room is always filled with cold cuts, cakes, drinks and all kinds of food and people will stop by for a coffee and something to eat or just to visit.” his sister said. “His door was open to everyone. He loved the horses, loved the people in the back and loved the racetrack.”
Lagorio is also known for tirelessly and fervently campaigning for the return of live Thoroughbred races back to the Commonwealth and for the region.
Following the 2014 announcement by the then owners of Suffolk Downs that in-person meetings would end due to their inability to secure the only casino license in the Boston area, a group of horsemen split from HBPA New England and founded the rival Massachusetts Thoroughbred Riders Association.
Lagorio is the sole president of the MTHA. In his role, he often testifies on issues before the Massachusetts Game Commission, speaks on bills being considered by the state legislature, and lobbies legislators.
Golditch said: “Billy would stand up and talk with the chemotherapy bags strapped to her under her coat. No one knew that.
Lagorio grew up in the shadows of the Suffolk Downs in Revere, Mass. And graduated from St. Dominic Savio in the city. He started his business when he bought his first racehorse and his best friend taught him how to train horses. From 1991 to 2015, he carried 1,192 athletes, earning $916,456 with a record of 74-94-139, according to Equibase.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patricia, his sister, brothers Peter Lagorio and Richard Lagorio, and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family can call Monday, March 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Paul Buonfiglio Funeral Home, 128 Revere Street in Revere, Mass. A Christian funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Anthony’s Church in Revere at noon, followed by a funeral to Holy Cross Cemetery, 175 Broadway in Malden, Mass.
