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Stan Was the Man


Stanley Rosenthal was a man of the world, a likable guy who always greeted you with a smile and a friendly salutation. He also loved the thoroughbreds.

I often sat in the press box at all three South Florida tracks and chatted with Stan about the horses and a variety of other subjects since 1995. He wasn't a bad handicapper either, especially when it came to tracks in New York, where he lived for several years before moving to Florida in 1978.

When he had a stroke, I pulled for him to get better. I often asked his close friend how Stan was doing, and the reply was the same: "Not well."

Then just before the holidays, Stan, in his mid-80s, died.

He led a most intriguing life. During World War II, he was waist gunner on a bomber, serving nearly six years in the Air Force. He was stationed at Hickam Field and survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, but preferred not to discuss that "horrible day."

In 1947, Stan got a job with Republic Pictures. He was an assistant director on many cowboy movies and worked with actors like Roy Rogers, Gabby Hayes, Lash LaRue, Don "Red" Barry, Richard Arlen and John Wayne.

"Richard Arlen (who starred in 'Wings,' the first Oscar-winning film) was my favorite," he told me one Saturday afternoon in the Calder press box. "We were good friends. He was unassuming and never complained."

Stan had equally kinds words about John Wayne. "He loved the sea. He loved his family. He was a decent man."

Those descriptions also fit Stan. I'll miss him.

Stan's son, Michael, who flew in with his wife from California, spread his father's ashes Friday morning at the Calder winner's circle during a special ceremony attended by about 30 people, including relatives and friends.

On Saturday, longshot Stans Dream paid $97.20 to win and $33.40 to place. I had a hunch and bet $2 to win and place.

Thanks Stan!

The copyright of the article Stan Was the Man in Horse Racing is owned by Greg Melikov. Permission to republish Stan Was the Man in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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