Trainer, Racing Official Daniel Dufford Dies at 66

Longtime Thoroughbred trainer and Monmouth Park racing official Daniel Dufford died at his home March 28. He was 66.

Dufford, who spent his entire life in the racing industry, was an accomplished trainer. His top runner was Rumptious, who he saddled to victory in the 1984 Salvator Mile Handicap (G3). Rumptious won four stakes in his career. Other stakes winners for Dufford included Take Sanctuary and Take It On the Lam.

Following his training career, Dufford moved into the racing office, where he started as an official at Monmouth and eventually became stakes coordinator. During that time, Monmouth saw numerous champions compete at the Oceanport, N.J., racetrack, including Triple Crown winner American Pharoah   and top runners such as Rachel Alexandra, Big Brown  , Curlin  , Funny Cide, and War Emblem.

Dufford is survived by his wife, Charlene. Services will be private.