Hulon “H.L.” Womack, who led the trainer standings at River Downs in Cincinnati and Latonia in Northern, Kentucky in the late ‘60’s and early 70’s passed away on Thursday. Womack was born and died in Russell Springs, Kentucky. The 75-year-old Womack continued to train actively until he was hospitalized in October.

Former jockey Vince Clark, who currently serves as Clerk of Scales at Turfway Park and is the Association Steward at River Downs, rode extensively for Womack during his winningest years. “He probably won the trainers title between River Downs and Latonia about 10 times or more,” said Clark. “He was hard working and down to earth, usually had about 20 head in training. He was a real successful good old boy back in the day.”

Clark was aboard the Womack-trained Dina’s Playmate in August of 1969 when the 11-year-old set a world record at River Downs. Carrying 120 lbs., the gelding ran 1 7/16ths of a mile on the turf course in 2:25. Womack specialized in the claiming game through his career and maintained his keen eye despite his age. He started 147 horses through mid-August of 2007 at River Downs and won with 44% of them in their first start off the claim.