Al Roehl, a Thoroughbred owner and regular participant in handicapping contests, died on March 24 in Lexington, Ky., following a brief illness. He was 66.
Semi-retired from his Chicago-based marketing and mentoring career, Roehl was known for his low-key positive attitude and passion for Thoroughbred racing. He enjoyed mingling with horsemen during training hours and attending the races on random weekdays and big event afternoons. His handicapping skills earned him spots in various challenges including national tournaments.
Roehl owned racehorses both with his wife Jan, and in small partnerships. His past runners include Prayer Service, an allowance winner at Churchill Downs, Oaklawn Park and Ellis Park. The gelding is retired at the Roehl's Lexington farm after being retrained to pull a carriage steered by the Roehls.
“Al was always fun,” said Steve Margolis, who was among the trainers Roehl employed. “He was a dear friend, not just a client. He was always happy no matter how his horses ran. He was so knowledgeable about the game that he understood why a horse did not win.”
After their initial meeting on a Belmont Park-bound train, the Roehls spent the afternoon sharing wagers and cashing tickets. They later married and relocated to Lexington in 2006. In recent years, they have been known for their popular “Picnic with Goats” venture in which customers dine at their farm with friendly goats nearby.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Al worked at the Leo Burnett Worldwide advertising agency with Kellogg's as his primary account. His enduring professional relationships attest to his ability to do his job brilliantly while still being an approachable guy from Chicago's south side. He then ran a consulting group for 14 years before founding The Neuro-Fitness Center in 2019. His goal was to help individuals and organizations “Get their brain to work for them. Not against them.”
In addition to Jan, Al is survived by his four children, Jeff (Gina), Melanie (Bob), Tyler and Christopher; stepchildren Sara and Alex (Erin); and four grandchildren. A celebration befitting a man who led a big life will be held in Chicago this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.
The post Thoroughbred Owner, Horseplayer Al Roehl Dies At 66 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
