Jeff Siegel, decorated figure in Southern California horse racing scene, has died

"Siegel's last job in racing was both serving as a host on XBTV, a service, owned by The Stronach Group, that specializes in horse workout videos. He was also the morning-line maker for both Santa Anita and Del Mar. He continued doing the job until his health no longer allowed it earlier this year. But what made Siegel a must-know personality in racing was his ability as a handicapper."

"Andy Beyer, the legendary Washington Post handicapper and namesake to Beyer speed figures, called Siegel the "World's Greatest Handicapper" in his 1993 book "Beyer on Speed." Siegel gave Beyer six horses to bet on a day's card of Southern California racing. All six won, according to Beyer. Siegel was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 8, 1950, and grew up in Southern California. He attended Fairfax High, where he ran track, and he worked at the school newspaper at L.A. Valley College."

Jeff Siegel was a central figure in Southern California horse racing for over fifty years and died at age 74 after an extended battle with cancer. He worked in many racing roles beginning in the publicity department at Hollywood Park in 1974, later serving as an XBTV host and as the morning-line maker for Santa Anita and Del Mar until illness forced retirement. Siegel gained renown as a handicapper, earning praise from Andy Beyer after selecting six winners on a single day's card. He was born Oct. 8, 1950, in Los Angeles and worked in radio before entering racing.

Read at Los Angeles Times