South Florida Trainer Wolfson Dies at 87

Milton Wolfson, a popular South Florida-based trainer and multiple graded stakes-winning conditioner, passed away April 15 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 87.

A native of Philadelphia, Wolfson was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who graduated from the University of Illinois in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in animal science and later graduated from Temple University in 1972 with a master's of education. He also was the founder and owner of Neshaminy Turf Supply in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida.

Wolfson saddled 548 winners in his career and was a respected horseman known for his kindness, spirit, and good humor. The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association presented him with the Kent Stirling Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. 

One of Wolfson's top horses was The Judge Sez Who. A son of Judge T C, The Judge Sez Who won the Oklahoma Derby (G3) and Fred W. Hooper Handicap (G3) in 2002, finished second in the West Virginia Derby (G3), and third in the Ohio Derby (G2). 

The Judge Sez Who was purchased originally for $10,000 as a yearling, but returned due to a stifle problem. He went on to earn nearly $1 million and was the subject of a story picked up by ESPN entitled "He's No Longer a Horse Nobody Wants."

Wolfson also trained 1996 Sabin Handicap (G3) winner Lindsay Frolic, a winner of 11 of 24 starts and six other stakes races; 1994 Tropical Park Derby (G3T) winner Fabulous Frolic; and stakes winners Annabill, Elite Jeblar, Stormy Frolic, Frolic's Revenge, Bernie the Maestro, Yourdreamsormine, and several others.

In November he saddled Stirling Drive to victory in the $75,000 Showing Up Stakes at Gulfstream Park West.

Milton is survived by his wife, Katherine Davey; three daughters, Bari Wolfson (Jeff Leventhal), Ellen Wolfson (James Carter), and Rona Saunders (Brad); and four grandchildren, Sophie, Emily, Kori, and Brook. He was predeceased by his first wife Gail Wolfson (nee Pompian). 

Private funeral services will be held at Beth David Cemetery, Hollywood, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind.