Looking for information on...

[Kapidr]

My name is Barbara. My husband and I are trying to find information on a Jockey, my husbands birth father.

Here is what we know.

His name was William Sherman Abrams.

He was born in 1946.

We believe he died when thrown off his horse during a race in Kentucky? around 1984?

We believe he was under contract with Verna Lee Farms in Hot Springs Arkansas at the time.

We know my husband, a minor then, was told by his mother Charlotte that there was some kind of monetary benefit for my husband back then but we don't know how much this was or if it is still collectable.

We know W. Ambrams won his first career race riding ONWENTSIA in 1967. The trainer was B.H. Marshal, and we believe the owners of the horse were P. Madden and J.B. Johnson?

We know W. Abrams also won riding a horse named Lion's Hope March 21, 1969.

We know W. Abrams also won riding a horse named NOT ME March 11, 1969. Trainer J.G. Brown, owners D.C Tompkins and P. Kesselring

We know he also won riding a horse named NEW BRAND Dec. 18, 1968. The owners of that horse were P. Kesselring and D.C. Tompkins. Trainer was J.G. Brown.

We believe the tracks he raced at were in Latonia as that name is on some of the photographs we have of his wins.

We don't know how to contact Verna Lee Farms nor the race track where he died nor any of the people listed above.

We are looking for any information anyone can give us about our Father/Father-in Law.

My husbands parents divorced when he was a child. He recalls his father asking him, "Who do you want to live with?" and he replied "Mom". I don't think my husband knew he'd be moved to Florida and not hear from his father again until word came of his death a few years later.

Please, if you have any information email me at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Barbara L. Galambos

wife of William C. Galambos/Abrams

[JimbleBrimble]

I can't find any records of this jockey, but perhaps because I can't go back far enough.

Surely someone who spends their days here at Pedigree Query is at a racing library somewhere and could take a look in American Racing Manuals from about 1962 through 1984 and see if that "Abrams" name shows up at all.

I only have the 1975 manual nearby and he does not show up there.

The man's date of birth and social security number would show up in one of those manuals IF indeed he was a jockey, which she sure implies is likely, at least in the late 1960's.

Hopefully someone will search back and e-mail her those vital records.

[Kapidr]

Thank you for trying to help so far.

Anyone have any suggestions of where I could write or call for information on the track, owners of the horses, trainers, anything and anyone/anywhere that might be able to provide more information?

We have not received any emails with information so far.

We did learn that one of my husbands fathers relatives moved to the west coast of florida but we believe she has passed away. We also believe some of his relatives still live somewhere in Kentucky.

Still searching..

Barbara

[dondogs]

Barbara,
I found one bit of information,

From DRF American Racing Manual 1968

1967 Abrams, W Mounts-56, 1st-1, 2nd-7, 3rd-4, Unplaced-44, Won $3,233

Born 1942 Berea, KY 400-58-4419

he is not listed in ARMs covering years of 72, 74, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83 or 84

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Latonia is now Turfway Park, owned in part by Keeneland. Keenland has an extensive library.

You may want to take a vacation in that area, if you are at all interested in horses, and visit the Keeneland Library. http://www.keeneland.com/visitor/library.asp

also if he was born in 1942, or 1946 it is possible he was in the military (Vietnam era). (I was born in 1945 and attended the war) VA may be able to help.

good luck

Don

[JimbleBrimble]

Hi,

That is the kind of help I was hoping somebody might come up with for her.

With his social security number, she can do a whole lot of record hunting, I hope.

I'm glad you put this here.

[dondogs]

No problem, I finally was able to use the back of the books. They're a great resource. I wish I had more of them.

[CA Michael]

Verna Lee Farm was home to *Noholme II, who was owned by Dash Goff, Sr. His son is still alive, in the Ocala, FL area I believe. Ocala Breecers Sales Co can help you there.

Bert Sonnier trained for Goff. He too is still around. The Fair Grounds racetrack/racing office may provide you with contact numbers.

Let your fingers do the walking and Im sure you'll dig up what you need. Good luck.

[Kapidr]

I wanted to post a quick thank you to everyone that has helped so far. I will be researching this information and will keep you all posted on what transpires if you'd like.

Keep sending info if you can!

Sincerely,

Barbara L. Galambos