Pennsylvania racing leader Salvatore DeBunda dies at 83
Salvatore DeBunda, who steered the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association for 12 years and shaped Parx’s power structure, died July 9 at 83.
Salvatore DeBunda, a central figure in Pennsylvania racing who spent 12 years as president of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, died July 9 at 83. He stayed active in the sport’s governing side until the end, serving on the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission while also remaining one of Parx Racing’s most recognizable owners.
DeBunda served about 15 years as the PTHA’s first vice president before taking over as president in 2010, a role he held through 2022. He was at the center of horsemen’s representation at Parx and in the broader Pennsylvania racing structure, where the PTHA has long been the key voice for owners and trainers on issues that affect stalls, purse distribution and day-to-day track power.
His ownership record under Dun Roamin Farm Inc. included stakes winners Collegeville Girl, Discreet Senorita, Great Lookinblonde, Sinceilostmybaby and Buccherino. Buccherino won the Salvatore M. DeBunda Sprint Stakes at Parx. DeBunda was also twice honored by the Parx Racing Hall of Fame, which was created in 2011 and officially opened on Sept. 22, 2012 on the third floor of the grandstand.
Born June 17, 1943, in Philadelphia, DeBunda was also a lawyer, serving more than 50 years as a respected attorney and co-managing partner at Archer & Greiner, P.C. He died peacefully in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Beyond racing and law, he founded and executive-produced the television program “Let’s Go Racing,” and he served on the board of directors and as chairman of the Philly Pops.
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