Jockey agent Rosen dies at 61

Joe Rosen, a veteran jockey agent most closely associated with representing C.C. Lopez, died Saturday night after complications from treatment for hepatitis and diabetes. He was 61.

Rosen, a native of Philadelphia, trained horses for a little while before becoming an agent. In addition to representing Lopez, Rosen also booked mounts for jockeys Anthony Black, Stewart Elliott, and Aaron Gryder.

Rosen had represented Lopez since 1993 at Philadelphia Park (now Parx Racing), Monmouth Park, and New York. Rosen had to stop working in September because of his illnesses, Lopez said.

“I think he was a great competitor,” Lopez said Sunday. “He worked every day of his life that I know of. You either loved him or you hated him. His competitors feared him, those that knew him best, loved him. I loved him dearly, I’ll miss him sorely.”

Rosen is survived by his sister Claire, brother Jerry, daughters Abby and Maggy, and granddaughter Maizey.

A viewing will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at the John Givnish Funeral Home, 10975 Academy Road, Philadelphia. A funeral service will follow at noon.