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Post by timmye1 on Dec 19, 2020 8:38:17 GMT -5
I'm so surprised and actually devastated with this news. Good handicapping is a trait that fits many of us here but Larry was actually a great guy, too. In fact, I'd go as far as to say he was the lifeblood on this forum. Stayed away from all the petty BS and just treated everyone the same. You will be missed, my friend.
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Post by bigdaddy on Dec 19, 2020 9:11:30 GMT -5
This is just so very damn sad....I had the extreme pleasure of hanging out with Larry a couple of times including a most memorable afternoon at Monmouth....a consummate horseplayer...one of the best I’ve known.....also one of the nicest persons I’ve had the honor to call friend....we’re all better for having Larry in our lives....surely a good life well lived.....may God bless & watch over him and his family....I will miss him greatly 😔
vaya con Dios mi amigo
B.D.
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Post by cockpit on Dec 19, 2020 10:02:15 GMT -5
Such awful news. I was very fortunate to have had the pleasure of enjoying a few days with Larry at Saratoga and Monmouth Park and all that has been written about him here is so very true. He was one of the best and nicest people I’ve ever met.
My deepest condolences to his wife and family and all of his friends here at UIC.
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Post by mysaladdays on Dec 19, 2020 10:04:05 GMT -5
Oh Danielle, I am so sorry to hear this. I only knew your dad, Mr. LaTour, from this forum, where he was highly regarded, very much loved, and we all looked forward to his wonderful write-ups for the big races. I will think of him every time I see a big stakes race go off, or a horse that he liked. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
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sbwest
UpInClass Member
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Post by sbwest on Dec 19, 2020 11:22:49 GMT -5
A true Legend. R.I.P.
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tc
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Post by tc on Dec 19, 2020 11:43:33 GMT -5
Godspeed, Mr Latour.
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forego
UpInClass Member
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Post by forego on Dec 19, 2020 11:48:27 GMT -5
This is such sad news and am so very sorry to hear. Had the pleasure of meeting Larry a couple of times through the years at Monmouth Park and Saratoga. He was a wonderful spirit and always a pleasure to spend time with him. He will be very much missed. Our most sincere condolences to you and the rest of your family.
Forego
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Post by unusualpete on Dec 19, 2020 12:16:13 GMT -5
gone too soon. loved this guy. epitomized everything that is horseplay. hope his eternity is filled w eager anticipation for the next race about to be run.
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Post by grandpadeee on Dec 19, 2020 12:46:47 GMT -5
So, so sorry to hear this news. I once had the pleasure of watching Larry do his thing in Las Vegas and he surely was the best. Not only was he a top rate handicapper he was a kind and caring man. It was great to share a drink or three with Larry and marvel at his wit and wisdom. I'm a better person from knowing him surely.
I offer my deepest condolences to his family. RIP Larry and may you enjoy that racetrack in the sky.
Deee
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Post by cruzan2002 on Dec 19, 2020 12:55:47 GMT -5
REST IN PEACE LARRY
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propro
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Post by propro on Dec 19, 2020 13:16:13 GMT -5
Danielle, that's just devastating news to myself and anyone that knew Larry. I've met many outstanding people on this forum and Larry was one of them. Truly one of the nicest people I've met anywhere and always had a hearty handshake and a smile when we saw each other at Saratoga. He could handicap circles around any of us, but always wanted to listen whenever one of us had an idea. I'm just crushed. Condolences to you and your family and please understand just how much Larry meant to our online community. He will be missed.
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ski
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Post by ski on Dec 19, 2020 14:34:38 GMT -5
Very sorry to read this.
Rest in peace Larry.
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turbine
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Posts: 275
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Post by turbine on Dec 19, 2020 18:39:57 GMT -5
I'm at a loss of words. For anyone who never had the pleasure of meeting Larry just needs to read these posts to realize what an incredible guy he was. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with him and the others at The Spa/Condo. Travers week will never be the same!
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Post by thunderbolt on Dec 19, 2020 20:24:03 GMT -5
So sorry to hear this, he shared his knowledge, and joy, freely. The world was a better place with Larry and remains a better place for his time here. Condolences to all who knew him well.
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Post by cindyloujazz on Dec 19, 2020 22:51:39 GMT -5
I first saw this very sad news in my email and thought, this can't be. I'm so sorry for your loss, you have my sympathy, thoughts and prayers coming your way. I never had the honor and pleasure of meeting Larry but always relied on his excellent handicapping and the run down he wrote on really big racing days. All of us here will miss Larry. God Bless you and your family.
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Post by sundaysilence on Dec 19, 2020 22:53:17 GMT -5
Thanks Larry for your expertise. My condolences to family and friends.
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Post by maumeeriverangler on Dec 20, 2020 10:49:40 GMT -5
Sorry to hear of Larry Passing my Condolences to the family.
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Post by Badactor on Dec 21, 2020 5:05:44 GMT -5
He met more of us than any of us... Larry even met Aunt Frieda! I was a fan of Hezethebest as far back as BloodHorse. Left a message in Las Vegas to wish him luck one year.
I think it surprised him. Larry was my Handicapping Hero. Introduced me to tournament play and showed me the ropes
at HPWS ~ Horse Players World Series in Las Vegas.
A friend to all handicappers, Larry was also a great player! He befriended my Dad @ HPWS one year...
it was fantastic seeing the two of them cash!
Larry LaTour brought joy to this forum... I miss him. I wasn't done talking to him.
Some-where in time’s own space There must be some sweet pastured place Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow Some paradise where horses go. For by the love that guides my pen I know great horses live again. (...and great horse players, too!)
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Post by Badactor on Dec 21, 2020 5:13:14 GMT -5
Did the best Rodney Dangerfield impression I ever heard.
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Post by UpInClass on Dec 21, 2020 11:54:41 GMT -5
Long time fan of your father... here's a loving memory of hezethebest:
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Post by UpInClass on Dec 21, 2020 12:12:04 GMT -5
Larry @ Monmouth... katman (daughter), timmye (Timmy), big daddy (Dylan), Larry, forego, cockpit
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Post by bigdaddy on Dec 21, 2020 12:43:04 GMT -5
Larry knew all the best places in Vegas...one time prior to a long weekend junket I checked with hiim.....we were staying at the Orleans and he told me about a loose slot machine there....got out there & located the right one & I'll be damned that it paid two $400+ payouts over the weekend! such a wonderful guy b.d.
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Post by dmarkoff on Dec 21, 2020 13:21:02 GMT -5
I haven't posted on this board for so long I had to re-register. I can't remember where or when I met Larry, but prob at the South Coast tournament at the Orleans over a decade ago. I used to put together a KY Derby pool and Larry was always in and always helpful. We would email or talk before big race days and his insight was invaluable, especially on turf races.
We got tickets together for a BC at Belmont, although I can't remember which one. Was a terrific day and had a great time and the drinks certainly flowed.
Larry was one of those rare guys who everyone who met him liked him. He was so passionate about racing and especially Saratoga. I've never made the pilgrimage to Toga and whenever it came up he always told me to go with him on Travers Day. My huge loss that I never took him up on the offers.
All my best to his wonderful family, Larry will be missed by all.
Dan Markoff
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Post by partsnut on Dec 21, 2020 16:34:42 GMT -5
I never had the pleasure of meeting Larry but From what I am reading from others on this board, He's someone I probably would have liked. My Condolences to the family.
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ozzy
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Post by ozzy on Dec 22, 2020 6:32:41 GMT -5
I am so saddened to have read this news. My thoughts and prayers are with the LaTour family during this time. The big race days just won’t be the same without Larry’s Guide for Intelligent Speculation.
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jb826
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Post by jb826 on Dec 22, 2020 15:26:53 GMT -5
I haven't posted on this board in years as I only play the big days now, but I am absolutely heart sick over the news about Larry. We played at least a dozen tournaments in Vegas together and hung out at the Belmont Stakes one year, not to mention sharing countless beers, horse tales, stories about family and fellow board members shared. He loved his family very deeply and always had a smile when sharing news. Larry cared deeply about this forum and its members. He loved the horses with all his heart. When we were at the Belmont Stakes a horse broke down and died on the track that year. Larry and I both bowed our heads and when I looked back to him he had a tear running down his cheek. He cherished the animals, they were never just a bet. He also cared deeply about all the characters on this board and like someone mentioned, stayed above the fray, although never shied away from a good back and forth ribbing and with his sharp wit he usually got the best of it. I could talk about what an elite handicapper he was but that is far down the list of his amazing qualities. The world is little darker now but my life is brighter and better for having called him a friend. Hope you all are well and safe during this trying holiday season.
Best Regards,
Jason Baker
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Post by Badactor on Dec 23, 2020 12:11:19 GMT -5
Name/nickname: Larry LaTour, a.k.a. Hezethebest! First time at a race track: I lived in Bennington Vt. until age 10 and got to go to Green Mountain Park for the harness races a couple of times back before the track "went to the dogs"! Big wins/narrow misses: Besides those chronicled on my bio page in all of my written analyses including giving out the "cold" superfecta for $4,448.00 in the BC Mile a couple years back, I once had a $7.00 straight pick 3 at Churchill Downs that paid over $800.00 for a buck or $5,600.00+. Numerous narrow misses so I'll mention only 3 very memorable ones from the Travers Stakes, a race I've have attended every year since 1982. All 3 occupied the top spot on LARRY'S PICKS "Selection" page in their respective years. CONCERN running out of race track as Jerry Bailey tried to reel in HOLY BULL. RAFFIE'S MAJESTY lunging toward the wire in an exciting 3 horse finish beneath Jorge Chavez. MAMBO IN SEATTLE as Robby Albarado thrust his fist in the air we both thought we held off COLONEL JOHN but the lensman saw the finish differently! Favorite track(s): Saratoga, Belmont, Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park. Favorite trainer(s)/jockey(s): I have serious respect for several that included Woody Stephens, D. Wayne Lukas, Jerry Bailey, Angel Cordero, Jean Luc Samyn, Eddie Maple, Pat Day, Gary Stevens, Robbie Davis, Julie Krone, Laffit Pincay, Chris McCarron, Willie Shoemaker and seemingly longtime nemesis Mike Smith who would beat me when I didn't use him and not fire when I did! More current props go to Joel Rosario, Javier Castellano, Jose Ortiz, John Velazquez. Tracks you've been to: I suspect I hold the UIC record in this category. Thoroughbred tracks: AQUEDUCT, ATLANTIC CITY, BELMONT, CALDER, CHURCHILL DOWNS, FINGER LAKES, GULFSTREAM PARK, HIALEAH, HOLLYWOOD PARK, LAUREL, LOS ALAMITOS, MEADOWLANDS, MONMOUTH PARK, PENN NATIONAL, PIMLICO, SARATOGA, THISTLEDOWN. Harness tracks: BATAVIA DOWNS, BRANDYWINE, FREEHOLD, GREEN MOUNTAIN PARK, MEADOWLANDS, MONTICELLO, NORTHFIELD, POCONO DOWNS, POMPANO PARK, ROOSEVELT, SARATOGA HARNESS, VERNON DOWNS, YONKERS. LL Thank you Larry...
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Post by bitowisdom on Dec 23, 2020 17:05:02 GMT -5
As I have read through the posts and pictures, I am sure I at one time or another crossed paths with Larry. I was a regular for most days of the Saratoga meet for over 25 years. So sad to hear of the passing of such a well regarded member and friend of so many here at UIC. Thoughts and prayers for his family as they deal with this difficult time. Surely he will be very missed. May he be with Our Heavenly Father.
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Post by dm13lato on Dec 26, 2020 13:37:42 GMT -5
Reading all of this warmed my heart...thank you so very much for sharing your memories of my Dad. We love & miss him every day, but hearing tales like this make us smile.I believe his obituary was shared, but just in case anyone missed it: www.tjpfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Lawrence-Latour-2/#!/Obituary
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Post by Badactor on Dec 30, 2020 14:19:15 GMT -5
Hezethebest Highlights...
DOMEDRIVER ($54.00 and the “cold” exacta for $142.00 BC Mile)
FERDINAND ($37.00 Kentucky Derby)
SINGLETARY ($35.00 BC Mile)
GLORIOUS EMPIRE ($33.40 Sword Dancer)
TEXAS RED ($29.80 BC Juvenile)
COLONIAL AFFAIR ($29.00 Belmont Stakes)
SEA HERO ($27.00 Kentucky Derby)
TOURIST ($26.80 and the “cold” superfecta for $4,448.00 BC Mile)
WAVELL AVENUE ($22.00 BC F&M Sprint)
TONALIST ($20.40 and the “cold” exacta for $348.00 Belmont Stakes)
SPUN TO RUN ($20.20 and the “cold” trifecta for $705.00 BC Dirt Mile)
2017 Belmont Stakes, LARRY’S PICKS “Selection” page yielded the $4,486.00 superfecta
when his top pick TAPWRIT outran the other 3 horses occupying the analytical space.
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