Bodog Beat

Horse racing fans from around the world are today mourning the passing of Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel. According to reports, Frankel died this morning at his home in Pacific Palisades from complications of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). He was 68.

Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Joe Torre was one of Frankel's closest friends (the two watched the 2009 Breeders' Cup from Frankel's box at Santa Anita). Torre told reporters that Frankel used to go New York Yankees games when Torre was their manager, and then more recently he'd visit Torre at Dodger Stadium. Torre visited Frankel at his home last week.

"I was very touched with our last conversation," Torre said. "He's been a dear friend. He's going to be missed. He was a very private person, but there's an enormous importance what his relationship meant to me."

Among his numerous awards and achievements are five Eclipse Awards for outstanding trainer, 30 training titles, and throughout his 40-year career in the industry Frankel's horses have amassed a total of $227,947,775 in purses.

Horse racing trainers from coast to coast have been quick to voice their sadness upon hearing today's news.

"He could communicate with a horse better than he could with humans," trainer Barry Abrams said. "He felt what a horse felt. He could tell when a horse could run his best race. He was an amazing human being when it came to animals."