(Courtesy Bloodhorse.com)
Bill Corbellini, who piled up wins in New York and Florida as a successful claiming trainer from the late 1960s through the early 1980s, died July 12 at the age of 84 in Dallas.
Corbellini registered the biggest win of his career in 1973 when he won a division of the Diana Handicap (then G2T) at Saratoga Race Course with Mereworth Farm’s Cathy Baby, who conceded three to 10 pounds to rivals. (The other division of the Diana that year was won by Lightning Lucy). The 90th edition of the Diana (G1T) will be contested Saturday at Saratoga.
Corbellini ranked third in New York wins in 1967 with 55 victories. Future Racing Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel worked as a hot walker for Corbellini. After his training career, Corbellini served as executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.
Corbellini relocated to Dallas in recent years to be closer to family members.
“He enjoyed all aspects of the industry,” said son Bill Corbellini. “He liked physically working with the horses and the business side.”
we went to high school together , it was shock to me that he passed.he came to visit me when he raced in florida. A very good friend and I will miss him.