Horseman Robert ‘Bob’ Bloodgood, 73, passed away on Sunday, April 29 after a long battle with cancer. He had resided in Pinehurst, N.C., where he was well known among the harness racing community.
Born May 28, 1944, Bloodgood started his harness racing career with his father, Morgan, at Saratoga Raceway at an early age. He opened a public stable at Saratoga Raceway, then a few years later moved his operation to Vernon Downs. He trained for Robert Tucker's Stonegate Farm. In the 1970s he was hired as a second trainer for Arden Homestead Stable under Ralph Baldwin and Harold Miller. While working there he was associated with great horses like Geranium, Tropical Storm and Hambletonian winner Flirth.
Upon Ralph Baldwin's retirement, Bloodgood opened a public stable with Vernon Downs his summer headquarters and Pinehurst his winter home. During his summers at Vernon he became good friends with Hakan Wallner and Jan Johnson of Continental Farms. They called upon him to help train and drive when they were out on the road.
During the ensuing years some of Mr. Bloodgood’s notable horses were Gypsy Melody and Classic Somolli (Crawford Farms); Delvin Miller and Max Hempt's Keystone Sinatra; Sunset Jody, So Marvelous, Homer (Joe Gerrity’s Little Farm), and E. C. Smith and Jim Giannuzzi's Nordin Hanover.
In more recent years he trained many of Ken Jacobs’ babies such as Kenneth J, He's Gorgeous and Heston Blue Chip. He also developed a great friendship with Richard Gutnick and trained his notables Southwind Cocoa and Modest Prince. He also developed Mach It So as a two-year-old.
Bloodgood is survived by his wife, Kathy, who he married on Dec. 10, 1966; daughter, Kelly (Greg Austin); the love of his life, granddaughter, Lily; sister, Carolyn (Ted DellaPorta); and nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, N.C. 28374, or at https://www.firsthealth.org/foundation-of-firsthealth/make-a-donation.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bob Bloodgood.
(Harnessracing.com)