Howard 'Buck' Norris, who most notably trained the champion pacer Governor Skipper, died this past Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Maryland at the age of 87
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Mr. Norris, who last trained horses in 1999, based his training operations in Pinehurst, N.C.
Governor Skipper, who was the 3-Year-Old Colt Pacer of the Year in 1977, became the fastest sophomore performer of all time -- on all size tracks -- that year. He won 17 of 29 and $522,148 in 1977 for his owner, Chicago sportsman Arthur Wirtz.
Among his victories were the first ever Confederation Cup at Flamboro Downs, the Messenger Stakes and Little Brown Jug. In the latter, Norris discovered a splinter in Governor Skipper’s jaw on the morning of the race, but nursed the colt to health -- and a dominant, straight-heat victory in stakes and world record time. He won the opening heat in a world record of 1:56.1h, then came back to take the second heat in 1:56.2h. His two-heat time of 3:52.3h was also a world record.
Among Mr. Norris' survivors is a son, Scott, an active trainer-driver, who lives in Southern Pines, N.C. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jo Lois Norris.
A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Pinehurst on Linden Road, Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11:30 a.m. Family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Feral Friends of the Sandhills, P.O. Box 807, Pinehurst, NC 28370.
Please join SC in offering condolences to the family and friends of Howard 'Buck' Norris.
(with files from the USTA)