Charles Sandford, who raced 2012 GI Florida Derby winner Take Charge Indy (A.P. Indy) with his wife Maribeth, passed away in suburban Chicago Dec. 2, according to published reports. He was 70 years old.
Sandford, who entered the Thoroughbred business in 2009, accumulated his wealth through the success of Bag Makers Inc., a supplier of non-woven paper and plastic bags to the promotional products industry founded by his wife in 1980.
Take Charge Indy was easily the best horse campaigned by the Sandfords. Conditioned by Pat Byrne, the son of multiple Grade I winner Take Charge Lady (Dehere) was also runner-up to Shackleford (Forestry) in the 2012 GI Clark H. and was the six-length winner of the GII Alysheba S. at age four in 2013. Take Charge Indy entered stud at WinStar Farm in 2014, but was recently sold to continue his career in South Korea.
Sandford is survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren. Funeral services are pending.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
