Wood, formerly of DRF, dies at 76

Wally Wood, a longtime writer and columnist for Daily Racing Form, died in Toronto's Bridgepoint Hospital last Sunday at age 76.

Wood joined Daily Racing Form's Toronto office in 1968 and covered Ontario's Woodbine, Fort Erie, and Greenwood racetracks plus other major Canadian racing news.

He also was a frequent contributor to The Thoroughbred Diges and Canadian Thoroughbred, as well as other periodicals in Canada, the United States, and Europe. In addition, Wood hosted annual racing tours to international locales including the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and the Far East.

Born in Portland, Ore., but raised in Nottingham, England, Wood served in the British Army before moving to Canada and attending Montreal's McGill University in the 1950s.

After working in several writing jobs, including a stint as a court reporter for a daily newspaper in St. Catharines, Ontario, Wood joined Daily Racing Form and was a major contributor until his retirement in 1994.

Wood is survived by three daughters - Julia, Kimberley, and Kristen - as well as two grandchildren, Alexander and Jillian.

In accordance with Wood's request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.