Wallace Howard: Horse Racing Icon at 80

Wallace Howard isn’t just participating in horse racing; he’s still actively changing the game. Featured in BLACK ENTERPRISE over 40 years ago, this Kentucky native is proving that age is just a number when you possess decades of experience and an unwavering passion. At 80 years old, Howard is still arriving at the barn early, meticulously studying bloodlines and preparing horses with the same precision that has defined his remarkable career.

A Legacy Built on Insight and Inclusion

Howard’s mindset—a blend of instinct, discipline, and lived experience—has been his compass through some of the most competitive circles in horse racing. He entered the industry at a time when Black men were often excluded, yet he forged a path, demonstrating that talent and dedication transcend barriers. This is particularly significant given the sport’s historical roots, where Black horsemen were once its backbone.

His journey into racing wasn’t conventional. Initially making a name raising gamecocks, an unexpected opportunity with a white farm owner led him to a Kentucky horse farm. Surrounded by thoroughbreds, Howard discovered his calling. He became one of the first Black bloodstock agents, a role requiring a unique mix of technical knowledge and sharp intuition. “You got to be able to see,” Howard emphasizes. “People look and don’t see.”

From Sourcing Talent to Training Winners

Working with prominent clients like Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Howard excelled at identifying horses with the potential to win at the highest levels. His process involved a deep understanding of a horse’s structure, movement, and innate potential. “I’m buying for confirmation,” he explained. “Clean knees, the right angles… and I get a feeling from it. When I see a good horse, I feel it.”

This instinct took him globally, sourcing horses in places like Argentina during a turbulent political climate—a testament to his commitment and risk-taking. His reputation was further solidified when he successfully transformed a horse considered a mere ‘claiming horse’ into a Grade 1 stakes race winner for Luster Products founders Herbert and Precious Luster. “They told me it was a claiming horse,” Howard recalled. “I said, ‘Y’all got a stakes horse here.’ And we proved it.”

The Business of Horse Racing Today

Today, Howard continues to train, currently working with three promising horses, including a filly he believes has major stakes potential. His philosophy remains grounded in patience, discipline, and a refusal to compromise. “This is a patient game,” he stated. “You can’t rush it.”

For Howard, success in horse racing is multifaceted, encompassing both profit and prestige. He has guided clients through the financial intricacies of the industry, emphasizing smart decision-making over sheer spending. “You ain’t got to spend a fortune to make a lot of money,” he advises. This strategic approach has cemented his status as both a skilled horseman and a shrewd strategist.

Paving the Way for Future Generations

Howard’s willingness to speak up and advocate for himself and others is a cornerstone of his legacy. He actively mentors aspiring horsemen, stressing the importance of listening, knowledge, discipline, and patience. He’s also collaborating with figures like Black cowboy Tim Walker and blacksmith Duane Raglin to broaden access to the industry.

He champions initiatives like an all-Black race, believing it could create vital new pathways into the sport. “That would be huge,” he remarked. As he looks towards the future, Wallace Howard continues to trust his instincts and leverage his extensive knowledge, embodying the precision and belief that define success in the world of horse racing.