Frank "Pancho" Martin Dead at 86

TJ · Postby TJ » Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:43 am

Frank Martin, the hall of fame trainer died this past Wednesday. He was an extraordinary trainer. He turning many horses into stakes winners off his astute claims and private sales. The most notable of his private purchase's was Sham.....Rest in peace Pancho. TJ

http://www.drf.com/news/frank-pancho-ma ... me-trainer

Jorge · Postby **Jorge** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:22 pm

Great public trainer ---not an easy task.
May he rest in peace. Enjoyed and was impressed
reading Angel Cordero Jr. remarks on "Pancho"Martin
personal generosity, albeit he was a fierce competitor.
Thanks for the posting!

ct2346 · Postby **ct2346** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 3:21 pm

I remember his work with Autobiography in the early 70's. If you think back on that campaign and compare it to the campaigns of today, you can't help but be impressed. I will always remember the green silks with the yellow diamond band....

TJ · Postby TJ » Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:57 am

ct2346 wrote:I remember his work with Autobiography in the early 70's. If you think back on that campaign and compare it to the campaigns of today, you can't help but be impressed. I will always remember the green silks with the yellow diamond band....

Hi ct,
Yes, they were the silks of his main owner Sigmund and Viola Sommer. Sham sported those very silks as well. Autobiography, champion older male in 1972, was another example of Pancho's ability to move horses up. I can't remember if he was claimed or purchased privately from the Wheatley Stable (Phipps and Mills family) of Bold Ruler fame. TJ