Trainer Milton Wolfson dies at age 87

Milton Wolfson, a trainer for the past 30 years on the Florida circuit, died Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to Gulfstream Park. Wolfson was 87 years old.

A press release from Gulfstream noted that Wolfson was “a respected horseman known for his kindness, spirit, and good humor.” Wolfson was named the recipient of the Kent Stirling Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

"Milt was an icon in this business, a mentor and a great man," said his friend and colleague Carlo Vaccarezza. "He was always someone I could go to if I needed advice. He helped me immensely when I first started out as a trainer. He'll be sorely missed by all."

Starting his training career at a late age, Wolfson won 548 races from 3,277 lifetime starts, with total earnings of $13.9 million. The best year of Wolfson’s 30-year career was in 2002, when The Judge Sez Who won four of his 11 starts, including the Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby and the Grade 3 Fred W. Hooper Handicap, earning $558,000.

Other stakes horses trained by Wolfson included Lindsay Frolic, winner of the Grade 3 Sabin Handicap in 1993, and Fabulous Frolic, winner of the Grade 3 Tropical Park Derby in 1994.

A native of Philadelphia, Wolfson founded and owned a company, Neshaminy Turf Supply, with outlets in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida. Wolfson is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four grandchildren.

- additional reporting by Mike Welsch