William J. Morey Jr., trained Dixie Dot Com and Bold Chieftain, dies at 74

Longtime Northern California trainer William J. Morey Jr. died Friday morning at a rehabilitation facility in Los Altos. Calif., after a long battle with cancer.

Morey, 74, trained millionaires Dixie Dot Com and Bold Chieftain. He was elected to the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Hall of Fame in 2014.

Morey received his trainer’s license in 1970 and scored his first victory that year with Crimson Flag at Pleasanton. He saddled 1,347 winners during his career. His runners earned $22,415,416.

His horses scored eight graded stakes victories: Four by Dixie Dot Com and one each by Bold Chieftain, Big Chill, Nonies Dancer Ali, and Mellow Fellow.

He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Doris; a son, William E. Morey, who is one of Northern California’s leading trainers; a daughter, Kelley Green; and two grandchildren.

Services are pending.