Santa Anita Park has created a “Bobby Frankel Get Well Soon!!!” group on the Internet social networking site Facebook.
An invitation to join the group, sent on July 8, included the following information: “Some of you may not be aware that the great Hall of Fame trainer and California stalwart Bobby Frankel is ill. During his absence, his stable continues to race under (Frankel’s) long-time assistant trainer, Humberto Ascanio. Please leave a note and wish Bobby well.”
The group had 128 members as of 4:06 p.m. EDT July 8.
According to published reports, including one that appeared in Daily Racing Form July 6, Frankel has not been seen at any racetracks in recent weeks. Ascanio wouldn’t describe Frankel’s condition, saying, “It’s his private life.”
Frankel will turn 68 July 9.