Laurel Park-based trainer "Eddie" Hairfield passes at 89

William Edward “Eddie” Hairfield, a former jockey, exercise rider and trainer, passed away June 6 at age 89. He was a longtime resident of Burtonsville, Md.

Hairfield’s lifelong career with horses began at the age of 15 under the guidance of teacher and mentor, Sam Kirk, who taught him the art of exercising racehorses. Several years later, he became a jockey and rode professionally for a brief time, earning his first victory at Sunshine Park in Florida.

Over the years, Eddie developed a reputation as one of the finest exercise riders. He transitioned to Thoroughbred training and enjoyed a highly successful and rewarding career. From 1976 to 2013, Hairfield’s horses won 216 races and earned more than $2 million.

Hairfield trained Gold Casing, who earned $240,000 in his career and was victorious in the Northern Dancer Stakes at Laurel Park, where Hairfield was stabled. He also trained True to a Point, who won 10 of her 40 starts for earnings of $129,000.

Hairfield at one time the in-person barn tests for aspiring trainers.

Along with his love of horses, Hairfield enjoyed building relationships, working, racing, and celebrating victories. When not at the track, he could be found working around his seven-acre farm in Burtonsville, watching the races live on television, or enjoying the day from his front porch alongside his late wife, Lillian Jeanette Musgrove; friends; and neighbors.

Hairfield is survived by his brothers, Jerry and Larry; his children, William E. Hairfield, Jr. (Millie), Laura Nicholls (Robert), and Julie Newton; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Hairfield was known as genuine, authentic, honest, full of integrity and being a true friend to many people.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 19, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home, located at 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, MD.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 20, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home.

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