Trainer Carlyne Tapscott Passes At Age 82

The Maryland racing community is saddened by the death of Carlyne Tapscott, a longtime trainer who passed away July 4 at age 82 at her home in Upper Marlboro, Md. She was surrounded by her husband, James, and daughter, Jenile.

Along with training Thoroughbreds, over the years she was a school bus driver for Prince George’s County, taught driver’s education for the state of Maryland, and held numerous positions within the federal government—including roles with the Public Defender’s Office, the Office of the Surgeon General, and as Director of Medical Programs, Senior Program Analyst, Financial Specialist, and Budget Analyst.

Her love of horses led her to training horses, and her operation was one of few remaining at the Marlboro Training Center before the property was converted into an equestrian center.

Carlyne’s last victory as a trainer came in February 2024 when Disputed Notion won at Laurel Park. The highlight of her career on the track came in the fall of 2014, when Perfect Cross, a horse she owned and trained, rallied from 10th and last to win by a nose at 39-1 in the Onion Juice Breeders Classic at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.

Perfect Cross, a West Virginia-bred, earned $188,000 in more than 40 starts. In 2013, the gelding finished second in the West Virginia Lottery Breeders Classic and third in the Robert G. Leavitt Memorial Stakes, both at Charles Town.

Jenile Tapscott, who worked closely with her mother, also was a trainer at Maryland, Laurel and Pimlico Race Course and is a member of the Maryland Horse Industry Board of Directors.

Carlyne is survived by her husband of 24 years, James V. Holland; two daughters, Jenile and Yetta Gilchrist (William); her son, Derrick Tapscott (Katherine); and two beloved bonus daughters, Sandra Mendez and Heidi Jensen, whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind six grandchildren—Keisha, William Jr., Laytoya, Derrick Jr., Jazmine, and Lauren—as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who were like family.

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