Southern Cal Horseman McClellan Dies

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(from Del Mar track notes)
R.H. "Chick" McClellan, a long-time successful jockey agent and constant presence at his home racetrack, Santa Anita Park, died at his home in Arcadia Friday night at the age of 86.

McClellan, whose son is leading Southern California jockey agent Scotty McClellan, handled the business for such well-known riders as Sandy Hawley, Alvaro Pineda, Ray Sibille and Fernando Toro, with whom he worked for 17 years.

"Being with Chick was one of the good things that happened to me in my life," Toro said Saturday . "We were good friends and he taught me so much about riding races. I treated him like he was my father. One thing that sticks in my mind is how he seemed to know every move in a race. He knew how to watch races.

"I remember he used to say to me, 'We are at the racetrack all day, from morning to night, but when we leave, you don't bother me and I don't bother you.'"

McClellan rode as a jockey for about two years before turning to training horses. Among his winners was Fault Free, who won the 1954 Westerner Stakes at Hollywood Park in which he defeated Kentucky Derby winner Determine.

Besides Scott, survivors include his wife, Maxine, daughter Mrs. Dan Landers (Ronna) and son Ron, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A private, family funeral service is planned. Memorial donations may go to the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund.

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