Maryland Stalwart Robert T. Manfuso Dies at 82

Robert T. Manfuso, a longtime Maryland breeder and owner, died of natural causes at his home March 19, according to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. He was 82.

Manfuso, who co-owned and operated Chanceland Farm near West Friendship, Md., with his partner, trainer Katy Voss, was a member of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association board of directors and was a tireless advocate for Thoroughbred breeders.

One of his objectives was improving the owner experience at Maryland racetracks, and he also was instrumental in the rebound of the Maryland breeding industry in recent years.

Manfuso became involved in racing operations when he and his brother, Tom, in partnership with Frank J. De Francis, purchased Laurel Park and then Pimlico Race Course. He was active in the operation of the two tracks until 1990 and is credited as part of an endeavor that helped revitalized the industry in Maryland at that time. Manfuso enjoyed reflecting on that period and his involvement with the racetrack operation side of the industry.

Manfuso, a multiple graded stakes-winning owner, owned horses alone and in numerous partnerships. Among the graded stakes winners he bred were Wood So, Admirallus, Royal Haven, Belterra, Wiseman's Ferry, Court Folly, Gotta Have Her, and Island Bound. Manfuso also bred the filly Cathryn Sophia, winner of the 2016 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner and earner of $1.22 million.

Manfuso's connection to Cathryn Sophia (Street Boss —Sheave, by Mineshaft ) went back more than 30 years. At the 1985 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December sale he purchased Sailing Leader, a Mr. Leader mare in foal to John Alden for $11,500. The following year he bred Sailing Leader to Maryland stallion Shelter Half and got Cruising Haven.

For Manfuso Cruising Haven delivered a pair of big horses in Royal Haven (by Hail Emperor), winner of three grade 2 sprint races and the runner-up in the 1995 Pennsylvania Derby (G2), and Belterra (by Unbridled). Belterra, trained by Carl Nafzger for Manfuso won Churchill Downs' Golden Rod Stakes (G2) in 2001 and was second in the following year's Ashland Stakes (G1).

"It all starts with Belterra," Manfuso said in 2016. "She was an incredibly talented racehorse. Over the years we decided to keep a couple or three of her daughters and tried to raise a solid horse."

Manfuso was on hand for this year's Renaissance Awards dinner at which the champion Maryland-bred horses of 2019 were honored. The champion 3-year-old filly, Las Setas, was bred by Manfuso and Voss and co-owned by Manfuso, Voss, and Wayne Harrison. Manfuso and Voss also bred Cordmaker, a full brother to Las Setas who was voted champion older male.

On the national stage, Manfuso was a vice president of Breeders' Cup and, as chairman of the Racing and Nominations Committee, implemented important changes to the nomination process in 2006. Manfuso also was a longtime member of the Thoroughbred Charities of America board of directors and also served as a director of Pinnacle Entertainment when it owned Hollywood Park in California.

Manfuso's father, John, was a founder of the Maryland Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, which eventually became the MTHA. Tom was also very active in the state's racing industry.

Information on services have yet to be released.