Sanford Bacon, breeder of Say Florida Sandy and Dancin' Renee, dies at 95

Sanford Bacon, a longtime owner and breeder based primarily in New York, died Friday at a rehab facility in South Florida, according to his caretaker Marcia Walker. He was 95.

Bacon is best known as the breeder and owner of champion New York-bred siblings Say Florida Sandy and Dancin’ Renee, as well as the multiple New York-bred stakes winner Risky Rachel.

Say Florida Sandy and Dancin’ Renee were both out of the unraced dam Lolli Lucka Lolli. Say Florida Sandy, whom Bacon campaigned for his first 15 starts, went on to win 33 races, 19 stakes, from 98 starts and earn more than $2 million. He was the New York-bred Horse of the Year in 2000 and 2001 after having been voted champion New York-bred 2-year-old in 1996 and statebred champion older male in 1998.

Dancin’ Renee, was a seven-time stakes winner and earner of $490,258. In 1997, Dancin’ Renee was voted New York-bred Horse of the Year as well as champion sprinter and champion older female. Both Say Florida Sandy and Dancin’ Renee have stakes named for them on the New York Racing Association circuit.

Dancin’ Renee produced Risky Rachel, a six-time stakes winner and earner of $493,736.

In 2020, Bacon partnered with trainer Patrick Biancone to campaign Ete Indien, who won the Fountain of Youth and finish third in the Florida Derby.

“We had a good relationship,” Biancone said. “He loved the horses.”

Bacon’s love for the horses was echoed by many who learned of his passing. Though known to be a little on the grumpy side, Bacon enjoyed watching his horses run and enjoyed helping out people, in particular young trainers.

Austin Trites first met Bacon when Trites worked as an assistant to George Weaver. Struggling on his own, Trites received a phone call last spring from Bacon, who was willing to help Trites try and get better stock.

In April 2023, Trites claimed Skylander for $25,000 for Bacon. Last September, the horse won a starter allowance at Aqueduct. They also claimed Three Two Zone, a horse who raced three times before being stopped on.

“All he wanted to do was help showcase me a little bit,” Trites said. “Just a very eccentric character, but extremely kind and just an all-around great horseman.”

Walker was Bacon’s caretaker for about four years in Florida and was by his side when he passed.

“He was a good man, he was good to everybody, he was a soldier,” Walker said. “He was helpful to everyone who needed help.”

Bacon is survived by his daughter Jill Brookner and granddaughters Erin and Rachael.

There were no services planned as of Sunday morning.