Vincent A. Bracciale Jr

Vincent Bracciale Jr., a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a respected figure in American Thoroughbred racing, passed away peacefully at his home in Howard County, Maryland, on December 15. He was 72.

Over a distinguished 20-year career as a jockey, Vince earned 3,545 victories, rode in the Kentucky Derby, and had the rare honor of piloting the legendary filly Ruffian twice. Yet those closest to him will remember him first and foremost not for his accolades, but for his generosity of spirit, his devotion to family, and the joy he took in life's simple moments.

Born and raised in West Virginia, Vince was the only son among four children, growing up in the shadow of Charles Town and Shenandoah Downs racetracks. The son of jockey Vincent Bracciale Sr. and Jeanette Prolago Bracciale, he seemed destined for the saddle. After graduating high school in 1970 as a state champion wrestler, he chose a life in racing over an athletic scholarship to University of Iowa.

Known to many as "Jimbo," Vince rode his first winner, Penny Peanut, at Shenandoah Downs in 1970. His talent quickly became undeniable. In 1973, he won 403 races, finishing second in North America. In 1974, he was twice called upon to ride Ruffian, both times delivering winning performances. In 1986, Vince earned his only Kentucky Derby mount aboard Broad Brush, finishing third, and that same year won Canada's most prestigious race, the Queen's Plate, with Golden Choice. His career included Grade 1 victories and partnerships with standout horses such as Dave's Friend, Majesty's Prince, I'm Splendid, and Hatchet Man. Officially, Vince retired in 1990 with 20,291 mounts, nearly $38 million in purse earnings, and a reputation for integrity, toughness, and kindness.

Racing remained a lifelong passion. Vince bred and trained horses for himself and close friends, celebrating his final training victory at Laurel Park in February 2024 with Square Slice. He also took great pride in a September 2025 win with Miss Fulton Gal, a horse he owned with family and friends-an achievement that reflected how deeply intertwined his love of horses was with the people he loved most.

But at home, Vince's greatest achievements were never measured in trophies. He shared 53 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Terri, his high school sweetheart whom he adored and loved unconditionally for the rest of his life. Early in their marriage, they followed the racing circuit together, traveling the East Coast before settling down at their family farm in Woodstock, Maryland, to raise their five daughters.

Vince took immense pride in his five daughters and their accomplishments. He celebrated each of their college successes with the same enthusiasm he brought to the racetrack, always quick to share how proud he was of the women they had become. As they built their own families, he embraced their husbands as his own sons, deeply valuing their relationships. Watching his daughters grow into loving mothers was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Retirement brought Vince many joys. He loved fishing and golfing, tending his garden, cooking traditional Italian meals for family and friends, being present for his grandchildren's milestones, and passing along his wealth of knowledge and love of nature. As a grandfather, he was patient, loving, and deeply adored.

The Bracciale home was always open. Vince was a mentor and friend to young jockeys and members of the Maryland racing and farming communities, and a welcoming presence to anyone in need of a meal, a good story, a place to stay, or simply someone to listen. His generosity, humility, and warmth left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Predeceased by his parents, Vince is survived by his wife, Terri; his daughters and sons-in-law, Lori Mellendick (Bill), Stephanie McClure (Scott), Niki Yurkow (John), Natalie Trott (Rick), and Amy Crouch (Jason); 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Above all else, he was most proud of the family he built and the love they continue to share.

A private service and burial will be held this week. The family invites the public to attend a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. on January 8 at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, Maryland, followed by a celebration of life at Laurel Park racetrack.