Longtime Thoroughbred trainer and Monmouth Park racing official Daniel Dufford passed away at his home on Tuesday morning at the age of 66. Dufford spent his entire life in the racing industry, including a training career that lasted from 1976 to 1999. He saddled Rumptious to a victory in the 1984 GIII Salvator Mile H. at Monmouth.
Following his training career, Dufford moved into the racing office, where he started as an official and eventually became stakes coordinator. During his time at the helm, Monmouth saw numerous champions compete at the Oceanport oval, including Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile), Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro), Big Brown (Boundary), Curlin (Smart Strike), Funny Cide (Distorted Humor) and War Emblem (Our Emblem).
Dufford is survived by his wife, Charlene. Services will be private.
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