California Horseman Thomas Nachel Dies

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Longtime Southern California horseman Thomas A. Nachel died Oct. 15 at his home in Templeton after a brief illness. He was 65.

The veteran owner, breeder, and trainer most recently operated his own horse transportation company--Coastal Turf Transport in the Santa Ynez Valley--before retiring several months ago.

Nachel was the son of a jockey, John William “Buddy” Nachel. Prior to taking out his trainer’s license and training the horses he raised on his farm, Nachel hotwalked and groomed horses for trainers Ralph West and J.W. Maloney. Hall of Fame conditioner Charlie Whittingham was Nachel’s Godfather.

Nachel is survived by his wife, Candy; daughters Deneese and Jodean, son Thomas, and six grandchildren.

A prayer service is scheduled for Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 1937 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446, with a celebration of his life to follow at Bella Luna Winery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Nachel’s favorite charities, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund and the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, Southern California division.

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