Walter E. O'Hara

Walter Edmund O'Hara (April 20, 1897 – February 28, 1941) was an American horse racing executive who was the first President and Managing Director of the Narragansett Racing Association, which owned and operated Narragansett Park, a Thoroughbred horse track in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

O'Hara was born on April 20, 1897 in Middleborough, Massachusetts. He attended public school there and then went to work for a newspaper in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He later moved to Fall River, Massachusetts where he became involved in the textile industry. O'Hara made a fortune buying and selling textile machinery and factories. He gained control over a number of textile mills and controlled eleven corporations in Massachusetts, including Annawan Mills in Fall River. In 1933, O'Hara was instrumental in bringing about an investigation of the Massachusetts State Police, which led to the resignation of the Commissioner of Public Safety.

After he made a fortune in the textile industry O'Hara decided to branch out into other fields. He considered purchasing the Polo Grounds and constructing a sliding roof so the New York Giants could play in bad weather. However, while on vacation in Florida, O'Hara became interested in horse racing. In 1934, the parimutuel wagering was legalized in Rhode Island and O'Hara, along with James Dooley and Archie W. Merchant, formed the Narragansett Racing Association. They purchased the What Cheer Airport in Pawtucket and constructed Narragansett Park at the cost of $1.2 million. Construction was completed in less than two months. O'Hara was chosen to serve as the track's first President and Managing Director.

After Narragansett Park opened, O'Hara tried to become friends with local politicians. He established an alliance with former state Budget Director Thomas P. McCoy who was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Rhode Island in 1936. McCoy was defeated for the nomination by Lieutenant Governor Robert E. Quinn.

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