Horse breeder Trudy McCaffery dies

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Trudy McCaffery, a horse breeder and owner who was active in horse racing, has died near Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., after a long struggle with cancer at age 62.

McCaffery, who raced championship horses including Santa Anita Derby and Pacific Classic winners Came Home and Free House with her former partner, John Toffan, died in her home Monday morning, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday. McCaffery and Toffan also bred the winner of the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Distaff, Round Pond.

"The sport of horse racing has lost a true friend and key participant," said John Harris, a longtime owner-breeder and vice chairman of the California Horse Racing Board. "She bred and raced numerous top horses, and was very supportive of the California breeding industry.

"She was very active in efforts to improve things, serving tirelessly for the industry on the boards of many organizations. Her sense of humor, sparkling enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the game will be sorely missed."

McCaffery is survived by her mother and three sisters. A memorial service has been scheduled Friday at Santa Anita Race Track.