Ralph Theroux Sr. dead at age 86

Ralph Theroux Sr., a longtime jockey agent who once represented Hall of Fame jockeys Bill Boland, Pat Day, and Walter Blum during a long, colorful career, died Saturday morning. He was 86.

Theroux was born in Rhode Island but moved to South Ozone Park, N.Y., when he was 8. Theroux worked for legendary trainers Hirsch Jacobs and Ben Jones before serving 33 months in the U.S. Army in Europe and Northern Africa during World War II.

Theroux is survived by his wife, Florence, his son Ralph Jr., a former jockey agent who now works in the racing department of NYRA, daughters Kathy and Virginia and six grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Park Funeral Chapels 2175 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park, N.Y., from 6:30-9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 at Ozanam Hall, 42-41 201st Street, Bayside. Burial will follow at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood, 111 Old Country Rd., Westbury, NY.