Jack-of-all-trades Frank Pagano Sr. passes at 95

Frank Pagano Sr. who served in many capacities in the racing industry, died on May 1. He was 95.

Pagano was a trainer, owner, jockey agent, stable manager, and was appointed by Gov. Mario Cuomo to the New York Thoroughbred Racing and Wagering Committee, serving as a chairman on the subcommittee on breeding.

Pagano worked as a stable manager for Bill Levin’s Gold Mills Farm, which, among other horses, campaigned Bold Reason, who in 1971 won the Travers Stakes after finishing third in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

Pagano worked closely with trainers Angel Penna and Howard “Buddy” Jacobson. He wrote a book about the controversial Jacobson, who was convicted of the 1978 murder of Jack Tupper, a Manhattan restaurateur.

As a jockey agent, Pagano booked mounts for Bobby Ussery and Jorge Velasquez.

Later in his career, Pagano moved to Europe and bought horses. The most successful one he purchased was Grey Swallow, who won the Irish Derby in 2024 for Dermot Weld.

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