NEWS
Calder racing secretary Umphrey dies
Posted: Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Bob Umphrey, racing secretary at Calder Race Course, died on Monday night in Hollywood, Florida, from complications of a heart attack and stroke that he suffered on Sunday. He was 53.
Calder President Ken Dunn credited Umphrey with developing the concept of packaging major stakes on a single card, which the Miami track introduced with the June Jam in 1994. The event evolved into the Summit of Speed card that last year featured eight stakes worth a total of $1.9-million.
The concept led to the creation of Calder's Juvenile Showcase, Festival of the Sun, and Grand Slam packages.
"Bobby had, as far I'm concerned, the best racing mind that I ever met," Dunn said. "The quality that made him stand apart is that not only did he have a great grip on the business, there was nothing that he would not try. He was so very, very innovative. He was one of the first people, if not the first, to create racing events by grouping stakes together and trying to theme and create interest."
Umphrey, the son of South Florida trainer Gene Umphrey, joined Calder in 1993 after previous stints as racing secretary at Laurel Park, Timonium, Arlington Park, Hollywood Park, and Golden Gate Fields. While at Hollywood, he served as racing secretary for the inaugural Breeders' Cup in 1984.
Dunn first met Umphrey while both were working at Atlantic City Racecourse in 1975.
"I have lost a longtime friend, as did the entire racing community," Dunn said.
Umphrey served on the American Graded Stakes Committee and Breeders' Cup selection committee.
"Now, there is such a powerful mix of sadness, regret, even anger, with the realization a special life ended way too soon," said Mike Cronin, Calder's director of marketing. "But, in time, that will fade. And then we'll see some of Bobby's tangible legacy---most notably, a summertime track in the tropics that he managed to populate with graded stakes from start to finish. But more important, we'll remember and appreciate the intangibles of this man of huge talent, intelligence, and sensitivity."
Umphrey's family will hold a private funeral. Further memorial services are also pending.
Umphrey is survived by his wife, Janet; sister Casey Kelly; and nephew Kevin Kelly.—Jeff Lowe
