from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Mark Lydon, 74, a longtime racing secretary who was also one of the breeders of 1971-72 Horse of the Year Albatross, died Feb. 18, 2012.

Mr. Lydon was a lifetime member of the North American Harness Racing Secretaries, Inc., and worked as racing secretary at Liberty Bell Park, Brandywine Raceway, Laurel Raceway, Freehold Raceway and the Meadowlands.

In 1973, he received the National Breeder’s Trophy (for the Breeder of the Horse of the Year) by the USHWA Delaware Valley Chapter for Albatross. The son of Meadow Skipper was named Horse of the Year after his 3-year-old campaign in 1971 and again after his 4-year-old season in 1972.

Mr. Lydon was preceded in death last November by his wife, Betty.

His funeral will be on Friday (Feb. 24) in Abington, Mass.