Final Turn - All Comments

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Ryan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:12:50 GMT

Kudos to you for a heartfelt tribute to Bobby. Growing up in the game here in So Cal, i too have my own memories of him. Sure he was gruff/arrogant and downright rude at times, but the man was a legendary talent whom rose from bottom to the top. My personal experiences with him were not exceptional. He kicked me out of his box with a nasty smirk, and even quietly chastised my father as a "so called" trainer. Regardless, i have come know and accept that away from the track, even if you were not part of his inner circle, the dignity in him would be present and pleasurable. My memory of this goes back to the early 80's in the airport in San Francisco while catching a plane back to So Cal after day at the races watching our horse run against his at Golden Gate. I will never forget the moment as a young kid meeting the legendary Frankel.

It with deep sadness that i lament on his passing. What wonderful mark he left behind and it is tragic that considering everything he had to live for, he no longer is with us. They don't make them like bobby anymore. He was not a manager or a numbers guy, he did with sheer talent and care. Claiming horses to the Bluebloods.

My father and I, both passionate fans, are hard on trainers. We have had 4 or 5 in the past few years. The exact type of client, that bobby hated We would laugh and say, if we had the money for right type of horses, we would give it to bobby and just let him do his thing.

RIP bobby...

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

JUNIOR in Tampa — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:00:34 GMT

You know what impress more about this gentleman i never hear of any medication violation coming from his barn, now that show you how much he care for his animals, wish 95% of the so call trainers now dont know about it to them is the allmighty dollar.....R.I.P. Mr. Frankel

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Kelly E. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:26:29 GMT

Thanks Lenny for your tribute. He will be missed. A part of the Old Guard is gone from our sport which cannot be replaced.

As for the quote, baseball player Dizzy Dean also said, "It ain't braggin' if you can back it up." No matter who said it, I can't think of a more perfect quote for Bobby.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Mary — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:21:09 GMT

FANTASTIC article, Lenny ! Thanks for sharing those amazing anecdotes that made Bobby so unique. He will be sorely missed !And, yes, we need a book about Bobby - YOU do it !

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

txhorsefan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:06 GMT

Thanks for writing such a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Frankel, Lenny. It is nice to learn more about the man revered as a great trainer, to gain a better appreciation of him. My only wish is that we could somehow gain some of this insiders information, getting to know the trainers better, before such a tragedy as his untimely death happens. Thank you for sharing your friend with us.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Denise — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:36 GMT

I remember hearing a quote from a rabbi that said something like "A righteous man will know his animals in heaven".

Really describes Bobby. He will be missed here by his current dogs and horses and the people whos lives he touched including the racing fans.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

John T — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:21:59 GMT

What kind of man Bobby Frankel was does not matter as we all make mistakes in life.What does matter is that he was a great trainer of racehorses getting to know a Colt or a Filly the way most of us would

know a Son or Daughter.He sure got to know them very well as the results on the racetrack are there

for all to see.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Parfour — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:39:40 GMT

The best pastrami sandwich was at Katz's deli on Houston street.

BTW; Nice piece Lenny, I enjoyed reading it. Thanks.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Sandy MacLeod — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:37:39 GMT

Very good assessment of Bobby. He could be very intimidating until you got to know him, which I was lucky enough to do. I took care of all his computers while he was in New York, and he was never anything less than gracious when welcoming me into his home. We were both devout dog lovers, and he would always take the time to say hello to my Corgis whenever they were around. Far from the public persona that most saw, most of which was just the Brooklyn in him! I will miss Bobby immeasurably.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

PJ — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:00:18 GMT

My dear departed Grandfather had the same personality -- terribly gruff on the outside, but could turn to a marshmallow when you least expected it. Bobby is up in heaven taking care of all the great horses!! Rest in peace.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Dona — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:22:17 GMT

Went to Hollwood Park last year to honor Zenaytta and got a chance to take a picture of Mr Frankel saddling Precious Kitten. It was a special moment, on a very special day.

Thank you Mr Frankel for being an animal lover, not every trainer is/was and losing someone like you is a loss we can't afford in the racing community.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Zia — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:18:38 GMT

Thank you so much for your

insight into a great man that

I respect greatly..

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

RGGC — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:17:29 GMT

I loved the story and although I didn't know Mr. Frankel at all, I loved everything I read about him. I was disappointed he didn't come to Monmouth for the BC, but when I heard that he stayed home for one of his sick dogs, I knew I had pegged the man right. Mr. Frankel you made Brooklyn proud. I'm not sure where we go after we die, but if anyone deserves a heaven with their 4 legged friends it's you.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

RobertfromBaltimore — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:57:12 GMT

I have been reading the many people's comments to Mr. Frankel's passing. Bobby was definitely one of the greatest trainers of all time. He came into the game as a handicapper then a groom working his way up to top trainer within ten years, Amazing!!. Dominating in a sport that doesn't have many Jewish trainers. He sounded like a well-rounded gentleman and he was good to his help and his horses. No race day meds, that should be the practice now. His knowledge of the game should be cherished by all that came into contact with him. Bobby RIP. You touched many.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Greg J. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:36:19 GMT

Mr. Shulman,

Thank You for sharing your memories of Mr. Frankel, Wonderful Tribute to a Great Man, My Mother was taken at 54 fom this same horrible disease, It just doesn't make sense to me...