Columnist and longtime thoroughbred jockey Dave Litfin died on November 17 at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs, NY, after battling cancer, his wife said. , Robin. He was 64.
Litfin served as a New York-based disabled athlete for Daily Racing Form for 25 years from 1991-2016. He then moved to South Florida, where he became the charting caller for Equibase, and wrote a popular weekly handicap column for BloodHorse called Litfin at Large. He also freelances for Thoro-Graph and Hong Kong Jockey Club.
During his time at Daily Racing Form, Litfin authored two books: “Expert Handicap: Win with Purebred Betting Insights” and “Real Life Handicap: One year of the eclectic horseman on the track” and contributed to several other books.
“He was very well respected. He was a self-made man,” said Robin, who has been married to Litfin for nearly 40 years. “When I met him, he was just a kid growing up on the streets of Manhattan who loved racing. And I said to him, ‘You know what, if you love it that much, then you need to be. pay to do it.’ He drove to (one of Daily Racing Form’s offices in) Hightstown, New Jersey, took the calling job (in the 1980s), and the rest is history.”
Friends and colleagues praised Litfin in social media posts on Thursday, with Daily Racing Form New York correspondent David Grening calling him “a really good man and a great friend. “
Journalist Richard Rosenblatt wrote on Facebook: “Dave is more than just a great racer. “Dave is a blessing to all of us who know him. Always smiling, always supporting his wife Robin, two daughters and newlywed son and new daughter-in-law.”
Dave Litfin wrote a weekly handicap column for BloodHorse called Litfin At Large
Manhattan-born Litfin is survived by Robin, her two daughters Addy and Marne; son, Sam; and daughter-in-law Maggie.
Despite being weak from her battle with cancer, Litfin was able to attend Sam and Maggie’s wedding last month at Saratoga National Golf Club.
“That’s a big goal, to be there,” said Robin.
Before the cancer returned, Litfin lived eight years cancer-free after recovering from initial treatment, his wife said.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Liftin’s name to Old friendsa retirement ranch for Thoroughbreds with divisions in Kentucky and New York.
Robin said Litfin’s birthday celebration is expected to happen at a later date, possibly next year, after a more private luncheon for his family that takes place immediately, possibly later. Thanksgiving.
She called Litfin “a great dad” and “my best friend”.
“People should know that my husband is very lucky,” she added. “He does what he loves. Many people can’t say they’re happy going to work every day, but my husband can. He loves what he does, he loves the game. hey, it was a gift for him, it was a gift for us I will be forever grateful for that.”
