WOLFSON ISSUE 27_Jerkins feature.qxd 01/02/2013 12:37 Page 2
THE WOLFSONS
The Wolfsons On January 20th at Gulfstream Park, Patrice Wolfson, her late husband Louis, and their homebred Triple Crown champion Affirmed were honored at a brunch with the inaugural ThoroFan Award, presented by ThoroFan to individuals “who have contributed significantly to helping energize the racing fan base.” Proceeds from the brunch were split between ThoroFan and a Thoroughbred retirement program. WORDS: BILL HELLER PHOTOS: HORSEPHOTOS.COM
“T Patrice Wolfson, daughter of legendary Hall of Fame trainer, Hirsch Jacobs, has a website based on Wolfson family’s greatest horse, Affirmed, www.Affirmedtriplecrown.com
HAT was lovely,” Patrice said. “That was so nice. They try to make sure the fans are treated the right way.” Retired Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos has personal knowledge of the Wolfsons’ contributions to racing. Santos still cherishes the support he received from Louis Wolfson and his family as he was just beginning his incredible career in the United States more than 25 years ago. “He was very nice to me, very noble,” Santos said. “I spoke with him many times. He said to me, `Kid, you’re going to make it. I’ve seen a lot of good jockeys in my lifetime. You’re a good rider. Just keep working hard and be honest.’ He was a very, very nice man. Every time he saw me, he and his wife and his son Marty came to me to shake my hand.” Louis was a giant in the Thoroughbred industry and in finance, a man who didn’t let a major setback in his life prevent him from continuing his philanthropy and success in racing. His second wife, Patrice, is Thoroughbred royalty, an incredible horsewoman herself who was the daughter of legendary Hall of Fame trainer Hirsch Jacobs. Louis’ 61-year-old son Marty is a successful Florida-based trainer who has won a Breeders’ Cup race and routinely develops successful Thoroughbreds. His brothers, Steve and Gary, founded Happy Valley Farm. Marty’s nephew,
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