Trainer Frank Costa Dies at 77
Frank Costa, a New Jersey trainer for decades, passed away on August 3, at the age of 77.
A native of Spilanga, Italy, Costa started his career in racing as a jockey, winning with his first mount in 1953. In 1972 he won with his first starter as a trainer, that race at Monmouth Park.
“Frank was a New Jersey legend and a dear friend,” said Bob Kulina, president of Darby Development LLC, which operates Monmouth Park Racetrack. “He was a fixture at Monmouth Park – one that will surely be missed.”
A resident of Kenilworth, N.J., Costa was well known as the conditioner of Joey P. during his 3-year-old season. Joey P., also a New Jersey legend, captured the Jersey Shore Stakes (G3) and went on to start in the 2005 Haskell Invitational.
Final arrangements are pending.