Horse owner, breeder Donald Newman dies at 85

NEW YORK (AP) - Donald Newman, a longtime thoroughbred owner and breeder with a number of stakes winners, has died. He was 85.

The New York Racing Association said Wednesday he died Dec. 23 after a brief illness.

Newman's winners included Mucchina, winner of the 1978 Ashland at Keeneland Race Course; First and Only, who took the 1993 Longfellow at Monmouth Park; and So N So, winner of the 2009 Lucy Scribner at Saratoga Race Course. In the past few years, he concentrated on breeding New York-breds.

Among his trainers were Hall of Famer Frank "Pancho" Martin, Tom Bush, Jose Martin and Carlos Martin.

Newman lived in Roslyn on Long Island and was a sportswear manufacturer. He bought his first racehorse in 1974.

Son Richard Newman said the family intends to keep racing.

Donald Newman is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter, Rebecca; and two other sons, Matthew and Adam.