Considered among the top 5 active trainers by nearly everyone in the game, Robert Frankel succombed to complications of lymphoma this morning on November 16. The hall of fame had been battling the disease all year. Frankel was an asset to this sport and trained some of the greatest horses in the past 2o years. He was 68.

Robert Frankels list of wins is too long to count. His greatest victory came in 2004 when Ghostzapper crushed the competition in the Breeders Cup Classic. Here is a short list of some of Frankel’s wins.

• Japan Cup (1988)
• Breeders Cup Sprint (2001)
• Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf (2002, 2005)
• Breeders Cup Distaff (2007)
• Florida Derby (2003)
• Hollywood Gold Cup (1991, 2001, 2008)
• Santa Anita Handicap (1990, 2002, 2003)
• Travers (2002)
• Belmont Stakes (2003)

It is worth noting that this is a VERY short list. Frankel won countless important races throughout his storied career. Some of his best horses include Ginger Punch, Leroidesanimaux, Ghostzapper, Medaglia d’Oro, Squirtle Squirt, and Empire Maker. He has been a force in the thoroughbred industry since he began training in 1967.

Recently Frankel has done well with 2008 Hollywood Gold Cup winner Mast Track. He also trained 2008 Champagne Stakes winner Vineyard Haven, before selling him for a hefty sum to Godolphin Stables. Frankel was the leading trainer in terms of earnings 1993, 2002, and 2003. He won the Eclipse Award for Oustanding Trainer in 1993, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. All in all, he won over 3,500 races throughout his career. Robert Frankel will be sorely missed by the entire industry.