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Robert J. Frankel
Robert J. Frankel
Robert J. Frankel
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Robert Julian Frankel[2] (July 9, 1941 – November 16, 2009) was an American thoroughbred race horse trainer whom ESPN called "one of the most successful and respected trainers in the history of thoroughbred racing."[3] He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1995, and was a five-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer. Often referred to as "Bobby" by others, he preferred and always used "Robert".[4] Frankel set the single-season world record for most Grade/Group I victories in 2003 with 25 Grade I wins, a record that stood until it was beaten by Aidan O'Brien in 2017.[5][6]

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Frankel was born July 9, 1941, to a German-Jewish family in Brooklyn,[7] the son of Merrill and Gertrude Frankel.[3] His parents were in the catering business.[3] His interest in horses was piqued when his parents took him to Belmont Park as a child. After high school, he enrolled at C.W. Post College on Long Island but soon quit after getting into a fight. Thereafter, he worked construction by day and gambled at the tracks by night,[7] eventually volunteering as a hot walker so he could get a free pass to the evening races.[3]

Career

[edit]

Early in his career in 1960s New York City, Frankel assisted the prominent trainer Buddy Jacobson. On his own, Frankel saddled his first winner late in 1966[8] before struggling somewhat in 1967, when he won with just 9 of 101 starters.[9] During 1968 however, he won 36 of 165 outings with his horses accumulating $167,000 in purse money.[10] In the next few years, he continued to prosper in New York and during the winter of 1970–71, he enjoyed some success at the West Coast meeting at Santa Anita.

After moving permanently to California in 1972, Frankel scored a series of wins that brought him to the attention of the horse-betting world, winning a record 60 races at Hollywood Park. Many of those victories came with runners he acquired as low-cost claimers for one of his owners like Edmund Gann, with whom he had a 30-year working relationship. These horses typically showed dramatic improvement under his care, sometimes winning their next start against higher-priced claiming levels.

Frankel was an avid follower of the training techniques of Charlie Whittingham, trainer of champions such as Ferdinand and Sunday Silence. Frankel won several Eclipse Awards, the year-end thoroughbred racing awards, for best trainer. He set earnings records, Grade I stakes victory records, and many others. Frankel also won the Pacific Classic Stakes a record six times, including four times in a row, also a record.

Some of his best race horses include: Squirtle Squirt, his first Breeders' Cup winner; Skimming, two-time winner of the Grade 1 Pacific Classic Stakes; Sightseek, winner of the Humana Distaff Handicap (Gr. I) and Ogden Phipps Handicap (Gr. I); triple Grade I winner Empire Maker, winner of the Belmont Stakes (Gr. I); multiple Grade I winning Peace Rules; two-time Santa Anita Handicap (Gr. I) winner Milwaukee Brew; Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (Gr. I) winner Starine, whom he also owned; and Ghostzapper, the Breeders' Cup Classic (Gr. I) winner who was voted the 2004 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year.

Frankel was the U.S. Champion Trainer by earnings in 2002 and 2003.

On June 26, 2005, Wild Desert, owned by several businesspeople including former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre, gave Frankel his first victory in the $1 million Queen's Plate, the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown at Woodbine Racetrack.

Personal life and death

[edit]

Frankel was married twice.

His first wife was Bernadette Birk (1950-2024)[11][12]: 24 [13] Birk was a Roman Catholic[14] of Welsh descent[12]: 56  who converted to Judaism when they married.[14][12]: 28 [15] In 1970 they had one daughter, Bethenny Frankel, who later went on to become a reality television personality and businesswoman.[11] They divorced after four years of marriage, and Bernadette married horse trainer John Parisella.[11] Parisella and Frankel were originally friends as well as competitors.[16]

In 2003, he married Bonita Boniface. They divorced in 2006.[3]

Frankel died at his home in Pacific Palisades, California on November 16, 2009, at the age of 68, after being diagnosed with leukemia.[7] Estranged from his daughter and once good friend (and step-father to Bethenny) Parisella, he reconciled with both before his death.[7][16] He is interred at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, California.

Legacy

[edit]

On November 1, 2014, Bobby's Kitten, named after the late Hall of Fame trainer, captured the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park. Bobby's Kitten is owned and bred by Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey, who were clients of Frankel. The colt is trained by Chad Brown, who was Frankel's New York assistant.[17]

In 2010, the San Gorgonio Handicap - a race Frankel won eight times - was renamed the Robert J. Frankel Memorial Handicap in his honor.[18][19]

In 2008 a colt from Juddmonte Stud was named Frankel in honour of the trainer. The colt, by Galileo and out of Kind, was trained in Newmarket (England) by Sir Henry Cecil, won all of his 14 starts, and received the highest rating ever awarded by the British publication Timeform. After his 14th win in October 2012, it was announced Frankel was to be retired to stud.[20]

In 2004, he was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.[21][22]

References

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Robert J. Frankel

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Robert J. Frankel (July 9, 1941 – November 16, 2009) was an American Thoroughbred horse racing trainer celebrated for his exceptional career spanning over four decades, during which he trained numerous champions, secured multiple Eclipse Awards as outstanding trainer, and amassed a record of 3,654 wins with earnings exceeding $227 million. Born in , New York, Frankel grew up immersed in the world of , initially working as a hotwalker to gain free access to tracks while honing his skills as a gambler on the races. He launched his training career in 1966 after claiming his first horse, Pink Rose, from trainer Allen Jerkens, and achieved his initial major success in 1970 by winning the Suburban Handicap with Barometer. Early in his career, Frankel earned the nickname "King of the Claimers" for his adeptness at spotting and improving inexpensive horses, building a reputation that attracted high-profile clients like Prince Khalid bin Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms. Frankel's rise to prominence accelerated in the 1990s and , as he dominated major circuits, capturing 30 individual meet titles—including a record 10 at Hollywood Park's spring meet—and leading North American trainers in earnings three times (1993, 2002, and 2003). He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1995, recognizing his innovative training methods and ability to excel with both turf specialists and dirt runners across coasts. Among his most notable achievements were five Awards for Outstanding Trainer—a record—in 1993 and from 2000 to 2003, as well as training 10 Award-winning horses, including the 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper. Frankel's stable produced Breeders' Cup victories in six races, highlighted by Ghostzapper's win in the 2004 Classic and Empire Maker's triumph in the 2003 , which denied the Triple Crown. Other standout horses under his care included Ginger Punch (2007 winner and older female champion), Squirtle Squirt (2001 Breeders' Cup Sprint victor), Intercontinental (2005 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf), Starine (2002 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf), Aldebaran, Bertrando, Medaglia d'Oro, Ventura, and Possibly Perfect, many of whom excelled on turf courses where Frankel particularly shone. His career statistics reflect a 21% win rate from 17,657 starts, underscoring his consistency and impact on the sport. Frankel, who operated stables in California and New York, was known for his patient, intuitive approach to training, often allowing horses to mature before major campaigns. He passed away at age 68 in Pacific Palisades, , from complications of , leaving a legacy honored by the annual Robert J. Frankel Stakes at .

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Robert J. Frankel was born on July 9, 1941, in , New York, into a Jewish family whose livelihood centered on the kosher business run by his parents, Merrill and Gertrude Frankel. Growing up in the bustling environment of , Frankel was immersed in a household where the demands of intertwined with everyday life, fostering a practical, hands-on approach that would later define his career. From an early age, Frankel's exposure to horse racing stemmed directly from his parents' enthusiasm for betting on the sport, a common pastime in their community that brought the excitement of the track into family discussions and routines. These familial influences—blending the stability of the catering trade with the thrill of wagering—shaped Frankel's early worldview, emphasizing resilience, intuition, and a deep affinity for the competitive spirit of racing without the structure of formal paths.

Introduction to Horse Racing

Robert J. Frankel's introduction to the world of stemmed from his family's interest in betting, which motivated early visits to racetracks with his father during his teenage years in . By the late and early , as a young man in his late teens and early twenties, Frankel began informal entry-level work at major New York tracks including Aqueduct and , serving as a hotwalker—a stablehand responsible for cooling down horses after workouts—and occasionally as a groom handling basic care tasks like feeding and cleaning. These roles allowed him to immerse himself in the daily operations of racing stables while supplementing his income with morning construction jobs to afford afternoon track visits. Frankel gained practical experience working under established trainers such as Buddy Jacobson and Bill Corbellini at these New York venues, where he learned the fundamentals of care, conditioning, and racing protocols from observing and assisting in routines. This hands-on in the early honed his understanding of equine needs and track dynamics, transitioning him from casual observer to active participant in the industry. By mid-decade, he had built enough knowledge to pursue training independently, obtaining his trainer's license in 1966. A pivotal step came when Frankel claimed his first horse, the filly Pink Rose, from trainer H. Allen Jerkens, marking his entry as an owner-trainer with a modest claimer. Shortly after, on , 1966, he secured his initial victory with Double Dash in a at Aqueduct, a breakthrough that validated his burgeoning skills and set the foundation for a small independent stable in New York. Seeking greater autonomy and opportunities, Frankel relocated to in 1972, where he established his own operation and began building a reputation with a compact string of horses.

Professional Career

Early Training Years

Robert J. Frankel obtained his trainer's license in 1966 and secured his first victory later that year with Double Dash at . Building on his youthful experience working various jobs at New York racetracks, Frankel initially focused on claiming races, where he honed his skills with modest horses purchased at low prices. His breakthrough came in 1970 when he claimed for $15,000 and guided the to victory in the Suburban Handicap at , marking his first major stakes success. These early accomplishments in the East Coast claiming ranks established Frankel's reputation for spotting and improving overlooked talent. In 1972, Frankel relocated his operation to California, basing it primarily at Hollywood Park and , where he continued emphasizing claiming and allowance races. That year, he set a still-standing record by saddling 60 winners during the Hollywood Park meet, many from his growing string of inexpensive claimers. Key early victories included allowance races and minor stakes like the 1973 San Gorgonio Handicap, which helped transition his stable toward higher competition levels. Despite these gains, Frankel faced stiff competition from entrenched West Coast trainers such as Charlie Whittingham, whose long-established dominance at required Frankel to methodically prove his methods in a crowded field. By the late 1970s, Frankel began attracting prominent clients, including aviation magnate , who entrusted him with top-quality stock and fueled further expansion. His operation at Santa Anita grew steadily, with annual starts exceeding 500 by the early 1980s—indicative of a approaching 100 horses—allowing him to compete more aggressively in allowance and stakes events. This period of development solidified Frankel's shift from claiming specialist to a respected conditioner of graded stakes contenders, though he remained the challenger to Whittingham's throne on the circuit.

Major Achievements in North America

During the 1990s and 2000s, Robert J. Frankel established himself as one of the most dominant trainers in , amassing a series of high-profile victories and records that underscored his mastery of the sport. His stable's consistent excellence was particularly evident in major U.S. stakes races and championships, where he prioritized meticulous preparation and horse welfare to achieve peak performances. Frankel's approach yielded remarkable results at key venues like and Hollywood Park, contributing to his reputation for elevating top-class runners to championship levels. Frankel earned five Eclipse Awards as Outstanding Trainer, a record at the time, with wins in 1993, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. In 1993, his first such honor, Frankel's horses led all North American trainers in earnings with nearly $9 million, highlighted by Bertrando's campaign that included victories in the Santa Anita Handicap and San Antonio Handicap, earning the colt the Eclipse Award for Older Male Horse. The 2000 award followed a banner year where his stable topped earnings again at $14.1 million, powered by Aldebaran's U.S. successes such as the Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap and Hollywood Gold Cup before his international triumphs, alongside Possibly Perfect's Juvenile Fillies win. From 2001 to 2003, Frankel secured three consecutive Eclipse Awards, a feat unmatched until later trainers, with standout seasons including 25 Grade 1 wins in 2003 alone—led by horses like Leroidesanimaux in turf races and Empire Maker's Belmont Stakes victory—while his stable consistently ranked first in earnings and stakes wins across North America. Over his career, Frankel trained 10 Eclipse Award-winning horses, including Bertrando (1993 Older Male Horse), (2000 and 2001 Male Turf Horse), Squirtle Squirt (2001 Sprinter), Wandesta (1996 Female Turf Horse), Ryafan (1997 Female Turf Horse), Possibly Perfect (2000 Juvenile Filly), (2005 Female Turf Horse), Leroidesanimaux (2005 Male Turf Horse), (2004 Horse of the Year and Sprinter), and Ginger Punch (2007 Older Female Horse). These champions exemplified Frankel's skill in developing versatile runners for U.S. conditions, with 's dominant Woodward Stakes and performances capping a perfect season, and Roses in May delivering a wire-to-wire victory in the 2004 , showcasing Frankel's tactical acumen in turf mile races. His Eclipse winners collectively earned multiple divisional honors, reinforcing his stable's depth across sprints, turf, and dirt disciplines. Frankel's dominance extended to meet titles, where he secured a record 30 training championships at various North American tracks, including 11 at (five winter meets and six meets) and 13 at Hollywood Park (10 spring and three fall meets), often with consecutive victories that highlighted his year-round consistency. In competition, he achieved six wins in U.S.-hosted events, such as Squirtle Squirt in the 2001 Sprint, Starine in the 2002 and Mare Turf, in the 2004 Classic, Intercontinental in the 2005 and Mare Turf, Ginger Punch in the 2007 , and Ventura in the 2008 and Mare Sprint, establishing him as a key figure in the championship series. By the end of his career, Frankel's had recorded 3,654 wins from 17,657 starts, with purses exceeding $227 million, placing him among the all-time leaders in North American trainer earnings and underscoring the scale of his domestic impact.

International Success and Global Impact

Frankel's international career gained momentum in the late when he saddled Pay the Butler to victory in the $3 million at on November 27, 1988, defeating a field of elite runners from around the world in one of his earliest major triumphs abroad. This win, owned by Gann, highlighted Frankel's ability to prepare American horses for high-stakes global competition and marked a breakthrough in his expansion beyond North American circuits. A pivotal aspect of Frankel's global reach was his long-term partnership with Prince Khalid bin Abdullah's Farms, for whom he trained numerous top-level horses starting in the 1990s. , with its international breeding and racing operations, provided Frankel access to elite turf-bred stock suited for European-style racing; he adapted his training regimens to emphasize stamina and ground conditions, shuttling horses between his base and European venues to optimize performance. Notable successes included Sightseek's dominant win in the 2004 Stakes (Can-I), a $1 million turf race at Woodbine, where she set a course record while representing . In the 2000s, Frankel further solidified his European presence by establishing a training base in Newmarket, , in collaboration with Juddmonte advisor Chandler, enabling direct participation in continental campaigns. This move facilitated successes such as multiple runner-up finishes in prestigious events like the with Juddmonte horses under his care. Frankel's strategies for turf specialists not only yielded over two dozen million-dollar Grade 1 wins with international flavor but also enhanced the reputation of U.S. trainers by demonstrating competitive prowess against European and global rivals. Through these efforts, Frankel bridged American and international racing, influencing cross-continental horse management and inspiring subsequent trainers to pursue global opportunities with shuttling and adaptive methods.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Robert J. Frankel was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage, to Bernadette Birk in the early 1970s, produced his only child, daughter Bethenny Frankel, born on November 4, 1970. The couple, who relocated to California as Frankel's training career flourished there, divorced when Bethenny was four years old, after which Birk remarried horse trainer John Parisella. Frankel's second marriage took place on October 12, 2003, to Bonita Boniface, a horsewoman, at her family's Bonita Farm. The union ended in divorce less than three years later, in 2006. Despite the brevity of this marriage, Bonita remained supportive, being present at Frankel's bedside during his final days alongside Bethenny. Bethenny Frankel carved an independent path far removed from thoroughbred racing, achieving prominence as a reality television personality on Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York City, an entrepreneur with her Skinnygirl lifestyle brand, and an author. Though Frankel and his daughter experienced periods of estrangement—stemming in part from his intense career focus and the early divorce—Bethenny later reflected on their complex relationship, noting a reconciliation toward the end of his life. Known for his intensely private demeanor, Frankel rarely discussed family matters publicly, prioritizing his professional life at the racetrack over personal disclosures. He resided in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood of , close to major racing venues like , where he balanced long hours with a low-key home routine centered on reading racing forms and occasional downtime. This reserved approach extended to any potential family-involved . Frankel, of German-Jewish descent, was honored in the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 for his contributions to racing.

Illness and Death

In 2009, Frankel faced a recurrence of , the same form of cancer he had successfully battled approximately a decade earlier. He had been managing health challenges for much of the year, including treatment at in , before being released to his home on November 14. Frankel died peacefully on November 16, 2009, at the age of 68, at his home in Pacific Palisades, California, from complications related to the illness. A memorial service was held the next day at 3 p.m. at Hillside Memorial Park in , drawing over 400 attendees from the industry. He was buried at the same location. The racing community responded with widespread tributes, highlighting Frankel's impact on the sport; Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, among others who rode his horses to victory, joined in mourning the loss of a legendary trainer. Fellow Hall of Fame trainer remarked, "Bobby was one of the greatest trainers that ever lived. He was tough all the way to the end."

Legacy

Awards and Honors

Robert J. Frankel was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1995, recognizing his exceptional contributions to over a career spanning five decades. Frankel received the for Outstanding Trainer five times, in 1993 and consecutively from 2000 to 2003, a record (tied by later trainers such as and Chad Brown) for consecutive wins in the category. These honors highlighted his dominance, including leading North American trainers in earnings in 1993 ($8,933,252), 2002 ($17,748,340), and 2003 ($19,143,289), with key performances such as his horses winning a single-season record 25 Grade I races in 2003. Under Frankel's training, 10 horses collectively earned 11 Eclipse Awards across various divisions, underscoring his ability to develop elite performers:
  • (2000 Older Male)
  • Bertrando (1993 Older Male)
  • (2004 Horse of the Year)
  • Ginger Punch (2007 Older Female)
  • (2005 Female Turf Horse)
  • Leroidesanimaux (2005 Male Turf Horse)
  • Possibly Perfect (2000 Female Sprinter)
  • Ryafan (1993 Female Turf Horse)
  • Squirtle Squirt (2001 Male Sprinter)
  • Wandesta (1996 Female Turf Horse)
Frankel also secured 30 training titles at major tracks, including multiple wins at and Hollywood Park, reflecting his consistent excellence in meet-long competitions. Following his death in 2009, Frankel received posthumous recognition through the naming of the Robert J. Frankel Stakes, a Grade III race for fillies and mares at established in his honor and first run in 2010.

Influence on Thoroughbred Training

Robert J. Frankel revolutionized training through a centered on and individualized care, particularly with turf horses, where he prioritized light workouts and long-term development over rushed preparations. Unlike trainers who pushed for quick results, Frankel allowed to mature at their natural pace, tailoring regimens to each animal's and needs to maximize and performance. This conservative approach, which emphasized attunement to the horse's , reduced risks and enhanced welfare by avoiding overexertion, as evidenced by his success with European imports adapting to American turf courses. Frankel's mentorship extended his influence to a new generation of trainers, notably through his five-year guidance of Chad Brown, who credited Frankel's patient methods for shaping his own career in turf . In , where Frankel dominated for decades, successors like George Papaprodromou cited him as a key inspiration alongside Hall of Famers Ron McAnally and Jack Van Berg, adopting similar disciplined stable management. His emphasis on strategic timing and horse-centric decisions became a model for California-based operations, fostering a cohort of trainers who balanced domestic success with international aspirations. By excelling with turf specialists—securing five Eclipse Awards in turf categories among his horses' 11 total Eclipse Awards and two victories—Frankel elevated U.S. grass racing on the global stage, demonstrating that American tracks could rival European ones through careful acclimation of imports. His methods improved industry welfare standards by promoting sustainable training that prioritized recovery, influencing broader practices to curb overuse. Economically, Frankel's partnership with Farms under Prince Khalid Abdullah transformed their U.S. roster, generating over $227 million in earnings and establishing efficient stable models focused on high-stakes runners that remain standard for elite operations today. Frankel's cultural legacy endures in inspiring trainers to pursue global competition, as his record 25 Grade 1 wins in and five Trainer Awards underscored the viability of cross-continental strategies, motivating a shift toward international-caliber programs in .

References

  1. https://www.racingmuseum.org/hall-of-fame/trainer/robert-j-frankel
  2. https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=People&searchType=T&eID=22651&rbt=TB
  3. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/other-sports/obituary-horse-trainer-bobby-frankel-set-a-record-by-winning-5-eclipse-awards/
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/sports/17frankel.html
  5. https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2020-bobby-frankel-natural-horseman
  6. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-17-me-bobby-frankel17-story.html
  7. https://www.espn.com/horse-racing/news/story?id=4659654
  8. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/145844/hall-of-famer-bobby-frankel-dies-at-68
  9. https://nypost.com/2009/11/16/belmont-winning-trainer-frankel-dies/
  10. https://nypost.com/2009/11/17/bobby-frankel-dies-at-age-68/
  11. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-03-21-sp-13651-story.html
  12. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-nov-29-sp-frankel29-story.html
  13. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2009/11/17/hall-of-fame-trainer-frankel-dies-at-68/
  14. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/194602/eclipse-awards-trainer-bobby-frankel
  15. https://www.jewishsportshof.org/listings/robert-bobby-frankel/
  16. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-11-sp-19169-story.html
  17. https://www.racingpost.com/news/so-good-they-named-a-horse-after-him-not-a-bad-horse-either-aLvQl9W7SQDk/
  18. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-05-sp-31636-story.html
  19. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/179925/bobby-frankel-to-wed-bonita-boniface-on-oct-12
  20. https://www.nydailynews.com/2010/07/07/bethenny-frankel-i-never-had-a-true-childhood-with-estranged-dad-bobby-frankel-and-mom-bernadette/
  21. https://jewishsportshof.org/listings/robert-bobby-frankel/
  22. https://www.dailynews.com/2009/11/20/horse-racing-beyond-frankels-rough-exterior/
  23. https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Frankel_remembered_as_one_of_greatest_ever
  24. https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Stakes&stkid=410
  25. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/05/01/as-a-trainer-frankel-is-a-true-thoroughbred/fab49b3f-46cf-4ff4-8b44-266c46a0dff7/
  26. https://www.quora.com/How-does-Bob-Bafferts-training-style-compare-to-other-top-trainers-in-Thoroughbred-racing
  27. https://trainermagazine.com/north-american-trainer-articles/tag/Kentucky%2BDerby
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