Maryland horsewoman Kim Boniface dies at 51

BALTIMORE – Kim Boniface, the daughter of J. William and Joan Boniface, one of the most prominent families in Maryland horse racing and breeding over the past half-century, died Sunday at age 51.

Boniface, an accomplished horsewoman, trainer, and amateur jockey, was found unresponsive Friday at the family’s Bonita Farm in Darlington, Md.

As a Thoroughbred trainer, Boniface sent out 55 winners over the years, including Field Cat in the Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland in 2000. Her last starter came Nov. 5, 2018. Her last winner was Dialin at Delaware Park on Aug. 9, 2018.

J. William Boniface is a past president of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and was instrumental in starting the Maryland Million.

He bred and trained Deputed Testamony, who in 1983 was the most recent Maryland-bred winner of the Preakness Stakes. Deputed Testamony stood at stud at Bonita Farm for 19 years. He died in 2012.

Kim Boniface is the second of the Boniface’s children to die. Benjamin Boniface died after losing control of his pickup truck on the farm property in 2012 at age 20.

In addition to her parents, Kim Boniface is survived by three brothers - William Boniface and his wife, Barbara; Kevin Boniface and his wife, Chris; and John William Boniface Jr. – and a sister, Bonita Boniface.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to the Maryland Horse Industry Foundation at P.O. Box 427, Timonium, MD. 21094.

Cards and letters of sympathy can be sent to Bonita Farm at P.O. Box 366, Darlington, MD 21034.