Report: Belmont-winning trainer Joe Cantey, 82, dies in S.C.

Joe Cantey, who sensationally trained Temperence Hill to a 52-1 victory in the 1980 Belmont Stakes, died at home Friday in Camden, S.C., after battling lung and mouth cancer, Thoroughbred Daily News reported Saturday.

Cantey was 82. His death was confirmed to TDN’s Bill Finley by the trainer’s former wife and retired broadcaster Charlsie Cantey.

Temperence Hill’s victory for the Arkansas-based Loblolly Stable, owned by John Ed and Mary Lynn Anthony, was one of many big wins in Cantey’s career that ran from 1971 to 1987.

Cantey trained Cox’s Ridge, another Loblolly horse, to a worst-to-first win in the Met Mile (G1) on Memorial Day weekend in 1978. That was when likely favorite Seattle Slew was removed from consideration for the race because of a leg injury.

He also worked for breeder-owner J.D. Marsh when he saddled turf specialist Majesty’s Prince, who won four Grade 1 races in the 1980s including the 1983 and 1984 Man O’ War.

Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Maple rode Temperence Hill and Cox’s Ridge to their biggest wins for Cantey.

TDN reported Cantey is survived by Charlsie Cantey, current wife Amy and children J.B. and Ashley.