from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Robert DeMayo, 76, whose wife, Frances, co-owned Ohio Hall of Famer Saccharum, died March 23, 2017.

Mr. DeMayo was born on Feb. 14, 1941. He and his wife, Frances, who survives, were residents of Indianapolis at the time of his death.

Working first with trainer Sonny Graham and then with Billy Walters, Mrs. DeMayo co-owned Saccharum, who was one of Ohio’s grittiest distaffers from 1984–1988. The two-time Ohio Horse of the Year finished on the board in 81 of 120 career starts and earned $805,295 in her career.

Other favorites of the DeMayos — many of which had a ‘D’ in their names — include Co Co D p,1:54.4s ($175,983); 1982 Little Brown Jug starter Tahoe Bob p,1:57.3f ($46,573); and Joyful Catch 3,1:56.2 ($37,325).

All services are being held privately.