Longtime turf writer Jim Freer, 74, dies in South Florida

Longtime turf writer Jim Freer, who covered Florida horse racing for decades, died last Friday of complications from Parkinson’s disease. His passing was announced by a funeral home in Wilton Manors, Fla. Freer was 74.

Freer, who was passionate about the sport and business of racing and particularly Florida Thoroughbred racing, wrote for BloodHorse, the Miami Herald and the South Florida Business Journal. Most recently he created and wrote for the website HorseRacingFLA.com. He also was heard as a guest on racing podcasts and radio shows originating in Florida. Freer loved attending the races, meeting owners, trainers, jockeys and executives, and he always was thinking of ways to publicize the sport.

Freer grew up in upstate New York. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Holy Cross and a master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown.

A celebration of Freer’s life will be held soon at Gulfstream Park on a date to be scheduled. For more information, contact Barry Unterbrink at insidefloridaracing@gmail.com.