California Horseman Lev Fanning Jr. Dead

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Lev Fanning Jr., who managed several successful California horse farms, died Sept. 10 at age 78.

Fanning followed his father into racing. After serving in the Navy and Marines during the Korean War, he started training horses and managing farms, including Cardiff Stud Farm, Hemacinto Stables, Rancho de Esperanza, and Sidney and Jenny Craig’s Rancho Paseana. He retired from the latter farm this summer.

During the time Fanning managed Cardiff, he was honored in 1986 with a special award for his “continuing efforts in pioneering the Thoroughbred industry in the Santa Ynez Valley” by the Santa Ynez Valley Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Association.

Fanning served on the board of the San Luis Rey Horsemen’s Association. His survivors include his wife of 55 years, Rusty, and sons Chal, Dewey, Greg, Jayson, and Kirk.  
 

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