David Hofmans, a Belmont Stakes- and Breeders’ Cup Classic-winning trainer who was a popular figure at Southern California thoroughbred tracks for 50 years, died Wednesday at his home near Santa Anita Park. He was 81.
Hofmans’ wife, Linda Murray Hofmans, confirmed the news, saying Arcadia police were investigating and an autopsy was pending.
“We’re devastated,” Linda Murray Hofmans said, requesting privacy for the Hofmans family.
David Hofmans’ son, Grant Hofmans, is a trainer in the Midwest.
Hofmans, best known nationally for winning the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Classic with 19-1 shot Alphabet Soup and the 1997 Belmont Stakes with Touch Gold – denying Silver Charm the Triple Crown – was well-liked and respected on the home circuit where he recorded most of his 1,085 career victories.
He was a president of the Southern California Thoroughbred Trainers Association.
Along with the upset victories in the Classic and Belmont, Hofmans won the 2003 Breeders’ Cup Distaff with 40-1 Adoration and the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint with 36-1 Desert Code.
Trainer David Hofmans, from, left, owner John Amerman and jockey Juan Hernandez discuss Award Winner’s victory in the Charles Whittingham Stakes on May 29, 2021, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)
His first victory came in 1974 at Santa Anita and his final win came at the same place May 11 when the 4-year-old gelding Seventeen Black and jockey Umberto Rispoli won a claiming race in a four-way photo finish.
Born in Los Angeles, Hofmans was introduced to racing by his father, who was a fan, and made it a career after befriending future Hall of Fame trainer Gary Jones at Pasadena City College.
When Hofmans won his 1,000th race in 2012 at Santa Anita, he spoke of his pride in reaching the milestone.
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“I kind of looked up the guys (trainers) who have done it, and a lot of guys have won 1,000 races, but most of them have big stables,” Hofmans said. “We have a small stable. We only carry 25 to 30 horses, and it’s hard to do. We’re here. We’re happy.”
Survivors include Linda Murray Hofmans; son Grant Hofmans, who lives in Kentucky; daughter Amy Bridges, of San Diego; daughter Jill Hofmans, of Columbus, Ohio; stepson Bill McCoy, of Mission Viejo, and six grandchildren.