Martin Wygod, former health care executive turned successful horse breeder and owner, dies at 84
LA JOLLA, Calif. (AP) — Martin Wygod, who parlayed his financial success as an executive in the healthcare industry into becoming a prominent owner and breeder in thoroughbred racing, has died. He was 84.
He died in his sleep Thursday at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, near his home in Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar racetrack said Friday after being informed by his wife, Pam.
Wygod’s racing career figures to have at least one more chapter.
He gave his 3-year-old colt, Resilience, whom he and his wife had bred, to his daughter, Emily Bushnell, and longtime bloodstock consultant Ric Waldman. Last week, the horse won the Wood Memorial in New York to earn a berth in the 150th Kentucky Derby on May 4.
None of Wygod’s horses ever competed in the Kentucky Derby.
As a teenager in his native New York City, Wygod worked on the back stretches of Belmont Park and Aqueduct walking horses after their morning workouts. That’s when he met and befriended another young New Yorker named Bobby Frankel, who would go on to become a Hall of Fame trainer.
Related articles
China rejects US accusations over normal China
China firmly rejects U.S. groundless accusations over its normal trade and economic exchanges with R2024-04-30US call at UN for Gaza truce linked to hostages blocked
By Raffi Berg, BBC NewsUS Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks during a UN Security C2024-04-30HK records 1st virus death, toll over 420
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-04-30Customs seize $20m meth and MDMA in two bags at Auckland Airport
A Customs NZ photo showing 25.71kg of MDMA (ecstasy) stashed in a suitcase and seized at Auckland In2024-04-30Immersive Studio Ghibli exhibition opens in Shanghai
An immersive Studio Ghibli exhibition showcasing the art and insights of legendary Japanese animator2024-04-30Tarata Road gravel fix plan raises ire of small Taranaki community
Big rigs are a common sight on Tarata Road in Taranaki. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin2024-04-30
atest comment