Successful owner Donna Herrick passes at 97

Donna Herrick, whose family raced such graded stakes winners as Magnum, Medici Code, and Nuclear Debate, died on April 15 at the age of 97, her family announced earlier this month.

Herrick Racing, operated by Bill and Donna Herrick, had a longtime presence in Southern California racing.

Magnum, an Argentine-bred gelding, was second in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in 2006 and later won the Grade 2 San Antonio Handicap in 2009 under the direction of trainer Darrell Vienna.

Medici Code won the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby in 2007, while Nuclear Debate won the Grade 2 Nearctic Handicap at Woodbine in 2002, the year he finished 12th in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Arlington Park.

The Herricks co-owned Robyn Dancer, a multiple stakes winner who was third in the BC Sprint at Churchill Downs in 1991.

Survivors include six adult children, including a son, Joe, a trainer in Southern California, and daughters, Susie Galland and Joan Scott, who are horse owners.

Bill Herrick died in 2015.

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