Former Trainer, Bloodstock Agent Friedlander Dies at 98

Murray Friedlander, a former trainer and bloodstock agent, died Oct. 22. He was 98.

He trained for such owners as Nelson Bunker Hunt, William Haggin Perry, and the Cohen family, owners of Pimlico. He won the 1974 Golden Gate Handicap with Acclimatization for Hunt.

Because of his familiarity with bloodstock in France, England, and elsewhere in Europe, Friedlander facilitated the purchase of many horses who found success in the United States, including Amen II, winner of the Hollywood Derby, and the Del Mar Derby victor Daros.

Since the 1970s he scouted prospects for trainer Ron McAnally. The notable resulting purchases included Northern Spur, the 1995 Breeders' Cup Turf winner, and Dr Devious, bought as a birthday present for Sidney Craig to run in the 1992 Kentucky Derby. Although a disappointment in the Derby, he was sent back to his English trainer and won the Epsom Derby.

Friedlander was born and raised in Baltimore within sight of Pimlico, where he was introduced to the sport. 

He interrupted studies at the University of North Carolina during World War II to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served in Intelligence in China. Returning to UNC, he earned a bachelor's degree, then decided to go to Paris to study at the Sorbonne.

In France, the lure of racing had Friedlander working with horses in the mornings, including with renowned trainer Francois Mathet, and attending classes in the afternoons. He returned to the United States, where he trained on his own and also spent several years as assistant trainer to James Maloney in the era of Gamely, Princessnesian, Desert Law, Boldnesian, Jacinto, and Dewan in the late 1960s.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Susanna Friedlander.