Robert J. Frankel Wiki, Married, Wife, Children, Age, Net Worth & Death

Robert J. Frankel was an American racehorse trainer, widely recognized for his performance in racehorses like Squirtle Squirt. ESPN named him as one of the most successful and respected trainers in the history of thoroughbred racing. Frankel was a five-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer.

Frankel was married twice in his life. He spent romantic moments with his love partners. With his first wife, Frankel shares a beautiful daughter. Who are his wives?

Who Was Robert Julian Frankel? His Bio & Wiki

Robert was born as Robert Julian Frankel on 9th July 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, United States. Moreover, he was American by nationality and his ethnicity was Welsh. He was the son of Merill (mother) and Gertrude Frankel (father), and both were involved in the catering business.

Later, his parents took him to Belmont Park, where he spent his childhood. After graduating from high school, Frankel went to study at C.W. Post College on Long Island but soon dropped out after getting into a fight.

Take a Look at Robert J. Frankel’s Career

Robert J. Frankel started his career as an assistant for the prominent trainer, Buddy Jacobson in the early 1960s. Later, he got his first victory in the horse race, San Gorgonio Handicap in 1973. Likewise, Robert participated in the horse race, Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap, where he became the winner in 1979.

Frankel also participated in many horse races, including Pacific Classic Stakes, Queen’s Plate, American Classics/Breeders’ Cup, etc. Throughout his horse racing career, the Frankel won the San Gorgonio Handicap eight times and was named as a Memorial Handicap in his honor in 2010. Furthermore, he became the Hall of Fame trainer and captured the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on 1st November 2014.

How Much Was Robert J. Frankel’s Net Worth At His Death?

Robert J. Frankel had a net worth of $5 Million before his demise. He used to earn a salary in the range of $2 Million to $2.5 Million annually. Likewise, his daughter Bethenny Frankel‘s net worth is around $80 Million now. She had around $25.7 Million as of 2019. Having impressive wealth, his daughter also makes a fruitful income from other monetary works including business deals, investments, cameo roles, etc.

Frankel’s daughter also stars with Tinsley Mortimer and Jules Wainstein in the American reality television series, The Real Housewives of New York City. Mortimer and Weinstein had a net worth of $35 Million and $10 Million respectively.

On 26th June 2005, Wild Desert owned by several businesspeople gave $1 Million to Robert for his first victory in the Queen’s Plate. It was the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown at Woodbine Racetrack.

Who Were Robert J. Frankel’s Wives?

Robert J. Frankel was married twice. First, he tied the knot with Bernadette Birk in 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. His spouse was a Roman Catholic who converted to Judaism after they married. Together, they had one daughter, Bethenny Frankel (born on 4th November 1970), who is now a reality TV participant.

Unfortunately, Frankel and his wife Bernadette divorced after four years of marriage in 1974, citing irreconcilable differences. After the divorce, Robert’s wife remarried another horse trainer, John Parisella. Parisella and his wife became friends after competing in many horse racings.

In 2001, Frankel met his second wife, Bonita Boniface in a restaurant located in California. Later, a mutual friend introduced them to each other. After spending quality time, they started dating each other. Shortly they engaged and married in 2003. However, they divorced in 2006 because of some misunderstandings.

Though Robert made a huge name in the field of sports, he was not lucky enough in terms of relationships. Both of his marriages were ruined making a sad end.

What Was The Reason Behind Robert J. Frankel’s Death?

On 16th November 2009, Frankel died at his home in California at the age of 68. The cause of his death was leukemia. After separating from his daughter, and once good friend (step-father of Bethenny), he reconciled with both of them before his demise.

Later, the horse trainer was buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, California. He is still remembered for his work and talent.