More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Runfast159 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:45:38 GMT

Thank you for the great article. Bobby Frankel trained a proverbial who's who in horse racing over the years, a testimonial not just to his phenomonal abilities as a trainer but the confidence owners had in him.

Inside Information had a great tribute to him the other night. I really liked the story about Aldebaran who had a nearly life threatening injury occur during a workout. Gary Stevens told how he found Bobby sitting in his stall with Aldebaran's head on his lap and how they sat there for hours like that. Bobby stayed with the horse the entire night. Aldebaran later recovered and I believe now stands at stud in Japan. You can not help but be touched and inspired by how he loved animals.

A truly great man, he will be missed.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Eliza Jane — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:10:54 GMT

May there be a field of horses in Heaven for him.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

AK-SAR-BEN Debbie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:12:59 GMT

I forgot to say in my previous post, that my heartfelt sympathies especially go out to Ginger and Punch, because I know they are grieving and missing their adopted human companion.

I am sure Bobby made arrangements for them to be adopted, hopefully together, into a new loving home.

Like you said Lenny, I am sure it broke Bobby's heart to leave them.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Roger — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:07:04 GMT

The image and success of the Frankel career shine through this article and into a visual of Bobby. What a great article-a true grade 1 winner.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

AK-SAR-BEN Debbie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:19:03 GMT

I have been mourning the untimely passing of Bobby Frankel all week. Like countless others, I know his premature death is a devastating loss to racing.

I have been a devoted Frankel fan for a good number of years, and it is so hard to imagine racing without Bobby. Fans like me in Omaha, NE needed someone like Bobby to remind us that racing is very much alive.

I am an animal lover and horses of course are the stars of our great sport. But racing should realize that it is the trainers who can build a strong steadfast fan base.

I thought the world of Bobby Frankel because of his love and devotion to his horses and dogs. I was so moved when NBC did their piece on him in the 2001 Breeders' Cup telecast. I remember hearing him talk softly to Flute and sensing the love and pride her had for her. When he choked up saying that Flute was the one he wanted to win with, I too was teary eyed.

I was blessed with the honor of meeting Bobby at Saratoga in 2002. I went to the Spa with the hope of getting his autograph. I had seen Jose Cuevas walking through the crowd and I stopped and asked him where Bobby was. He told me to wait by the racing secretary's office, and I would be sure to see him soon. I thanked Jose and got his autograph before he left.

Within about a half hour I could see Bobby in the racing secretary's office. I waited patiently for several hours until after Sky Mesa won the Hopeful. Finally Bobby came out, and then I started getting nervous. I thought, who was I to ask for this great man's autograph. I followed him at a safe distance, but then I thought I have to try or I would regret it for the rest of my life.

When I finally worked up the courage to approach him, I picked up my pace and because my adrenalin was racing I literally bumped into him when he stopped to talk to someone in the picnic area. I said, "excuse me Mr. Frankel, I am sorry to bother you, but could I please have your autograph?" I was carrying a leather portfolio and inside it was a photograph of Bobby I had scanned with extra blank white space where he had a place to sign it. Bobby seemed a bit surprised when he saw his photograph. I handed him a Sharpie and he signed the photo. While he was signing the photo I told him that I wished him luck in the Forego with Aldebaran and he looked up and smiled and told me thank you. I was in such awe, I just stood there speechless with a grateful smile on my face. When someone else yelled for him, he started to walk away and then I yelled thank you. He nodded his head and smiled again.

Bobby's autograph is one of my most prized possessions, and I have thought about that meeting at Saratoga a lot this past week.

My heart goes out to Bethenny, his many friends and fellow fans.

Bobby was raw talent and emotion.

Racing owes him so much because he was a colorful and passionate star of the sport.

I know Belmont has Woody's corner, I hope Santa Anita, Hollywood, Saratoga or Belmont makes room for a permanent Bobby gallery or exhibit. There also needs to be at least one Grade One named in his honor.

The chapter on Bobby in Training Game was nice, but please Lenny and/or Steve, Bobby deserves a biography.

Also I am sure fans would enjoy seeing some old Frankel interview video clips made available on the website.

Those who loved Bobby must take comfort in knowing that Bobby is cancer-free and believing he has found his beloved Happy, Exbourne, Toussaud and many other heavenly companions at the Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you for sharing your endearing reflections of Bobby this past week.

I am hoping that Bobby can grace the cover of your great magazine one last time.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Aluminaut — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:59:05 GMT

To be able to miss the Breeder's Cup and not be in the winner's circle with Ginger Punch shows what kind of respect owners had for the man.

I haven't had an Aussie for a couple years & I wasn't able to be w/my last when he passed. It was the right thing to do.

All the best to Bobby and those who care about him.

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

$BILL — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:15:52 GMT

nice job lenny, i remember when you used to drive the horse van back in the day..................

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Deacon — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:28:18 GMT

Bobby Frankel was one of the best trainers ever. He was old school. His methods and demeanor was a throwback to the 1960's and early 1970's. Robert Wheeler (whom I knew), Charlie Whittingham, James Nazworthy, Noble Threewit, Warren & Mel Stute, Farrell Jones, Ron McAnally, Laz Barrera, Bill Finnegan, Richard Mandella, Jack Van Berg, were all hard nosed trainers and Bobby fits right into that mold. I met him one time at Santa Anita, he trained Ruhlmann and if I remember correctly it was in 1990 when he won the Santa Anita Handicap. I congratulated him after the race and he was very warm and gracious. He will be sorely missed. Horse racing is rapidly losing it's legends and identity. This is a sad day in horse racing lore, they should fly the track flags at half mast.

RIP Bobby..........

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

mhaegele — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:30:51 GMT

To those who thought Bobby took an edge ... I'd say they were right. He was the most brilliant horseman of our times. That's all the edge he needed.

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...

re: More Than Horses - By Lenny Shulman

Lenny Shulman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:42:51 GMT

It's funny how the "braggin' " quote seems to have a dozen different authors. I guess it's wherever you heard it first. I think it was Bobby's love for his dogs that put him over the top for me. As someone who loves his dogs more than is considered rational, I really related to him on that one. By being himself, it's amazing how many people Bobby touched. His loss is a reminder of how precious life is.