Where does the time go? Yesterday, Nov. 16, marked a full year since the passing of Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel. The trainer, a major force in both New York and California, died after a long battle with illness.

I was lucky enough to meet Bobby in 2001, when I attended the Kentucky Derby through Kids To The Cup, an incredible organization founded by another late racing icon, Trudy McCaffery. Our experience included a tour of the backside and visits to several barns. Bobby was one of the horsemen who graciously agreed to meet with our group that morning, taking the time to talk to us about his career and the racing business just hours before he would saddle Flute in the Kentucky Oaks. I will never forget the way he beamed as he talked about that filly. It was clear his animals were his pride and joy. Consider that, six years later, this man would skip saddling eventual winner Ginger Punch at the Breeders' Cup in order to stay home with a sick dog.

Bobby's commitments to thoroughbred welfare remained obvious even after his death, as he left all of his winning trophies and a sizable donation to the Old Friends retirement organization in his will. At the time of his death, Old Friends and JoAnn and Mark Pepper were just preparing to open the organization's first satellite facility in nearby Greenfield Center. The decision was made to name the facility in honor of Bobby, and Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division opened its doors to retired thoroughbreds late last year.

Two of Frankel's former trainees have resided at the farm - the affable and thoroughly spoiled Watchem Smokey, a multiple graded winner; and Group I winner New Export, a spirited horse nicknamed Rio for his country of birth. Sadly, after a sudden and brief illness, Rio left us in July. It's some small comfort to think he went to be with Bobby.

Here's to an outstanding trainer and an outstanding man. I'm honored to be one of the volunteers at the place that will be his most lasting legacy.

Former Bobby Frankel trainee New Export at Old Friends

Former Bobby Frankel trainee Watchem Smokey at Old Friends