Patrice Wolfson, co-owner of Affirmed, dead at 87

Patrice Jacobs Wolfson, who, along with late husband Louis, is best known for campaigning 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed, died Tuesday at age 87 at her home in Bal Harbour, Fla.

Wolfson, whose death was first reported by BloodHorse, was raised around racing as the daughter of Hall of Fame trainer Hirsch Jacobs, who trained the great Stymie. Her brother John Jacobs trained 1970 Preakness winner Personality and 1970 Belmont winner High Echelon. Patrice began owning racehorses when her father gifted her Basil Lee on her 21st birthday; Hail to Reason, who Hirsch Jacobs trained to a 2-year-old championship, also raced in her colors.

Patrice married Harbor View Farm owner Louis Wolfson – who died in 2007 – in 1972. Their Florida-bred homebred Affirmed became America’s 11th Triple Crown winner in 1978, in a series of memorable duels with archrival Alydar.

Harbor View also bred and raced one of Affirmed’s best daughters, two-time champion female turf horse Flawlessly, who joined her sire in the Hall of Fame. The Wolfsons also raced champion 2-year-old fillies Outstandingly and It’s in the Air.

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