Will O’Keefe, 76, a Virginia Steeplechase Hall of Fame inductee, horseman, fox hunter, and race announcer, died Dec. 18.

Will O'Keefe (Photo by Douglas Lees)O’Keefe, 76, was race director for the Virginia Fall races and is the son of Dr. Frank O’Keefe, who bred 1966 Kentucky Derby winner Kauai King.

O'Keefe also served as Virginia Point-to-Point Association secretary and Virginia Steeplechase Association secretary and president.

O'Keefe began calling races in 1980 and announced races for 42 years, with his final season being 2022.

O’Keefe was named Point-to-Point Man of the Year in 1986; won the VSA’s Francis Thornton Green award in 1990; was inducted in the Virginia Steeplechase Hall of Fame in 2007; was recognized with the Yves Henry Lifetime Achievement Award and was named Loudoun Preservation Society’s preservationist of the year in 2011; and, received the Monk Noland Award for service to the racing community by the Steeplechase Owners and Trainers Association and National Steeplechase Association in 2019.

In 1980, O’Keefe also owned and trained the Virginia Point-to-Point Association champion steeplechase mare Royal Greed.

The following is an announcement from the Virginia Fall Races.

 

IT IS WITH sad hearts that the Virginia Fall Race Committee announces the passing of Will O'Keefe on Monday, December 18, 2023.

A steeplechase legend, horseman, foxhunter, race announcer and above all, a friend to all, Will assumed his role of Race Director for the Virginia Fall Races just 10 years ago and he did it all.

He arrived early, stayed late, worked out the stall assignments, put up the stall cards, conducted the Officials' meeting, called for the vet check, and welcomed owners, trainers, grooms and spectators to Glenwood Park for a day of racing.

Then he took his seat behind the microphone.

He called the races with a voice that delivered clarity, drama, accuracy and knowledge, stride for stride.

He always said he had the best seat in the house at every race meet and indeed he did.

He may have had the best seat but the Virginia Fall Race Committee certainly had a one of a kind leader and a friend to all.

Will announced his last race at Glenwood Park, at his race meet, a timber race, in October, 2022.

At this time, instead of flowers, the family would like donations to be made in Will's name to the Virginia Fall Races, PO Box 2, Middleburg, VA 20118.

A Celebration of Life in his honor and memory will be held in the Spring.