Carl H. Hanford

I was lucky enough as a child to meet the Hanford's back in 1973. Gail became my friend, we all looked up to Mr. Hanford and Mrs. Hanford was always nice when we visited their home to swim. In recent years I kept reminding Mr. Hanford that he was the only celebrity that I had ever met. Recently while at the paddock at Delaware Park, my husband and I were chatting with Jonathan Sheppard when along came Mr. Hanford with his companion Linda. During a lull in the conversation, Martyn pointed out...

Gail, my family knew your Dad as a neighbor. He was always very kind. He certainly loved to keep his lawn looking nice, too. When I would see him in his yard, I would walk over to say hello, and he always asked about my daughter. She's going on 21 now, and we moved into the neighborhood when she was 10 months old. I will always think of your Dad with fond memories.

We were both blessed and honored to have had the Hanford family in our lives. Carl was the epitome of "The Greatest Generation" and his passing marks the end of an era in the racing world.

Gail:

I'm at a total loss for words. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Your Dad gave me my first job on the racetrack as a hotwalker at Delaware Park. The year was 1960 and I was 15 years old.

That was the year of Kelso's 3 year old campaign. One of my most prized possessions is a picture in the Monmouth Park winners circle of your Dad, Kelso, Bill Hartack, Kelso's then groom - Bill Hall and myself.

Your Dad was like a Father figure to me and...