Scotty Schulhofer, 80; Hall of Fame trainer of champion horses

Flint “Scotty” Schulhofer, a member of horse racing’s Hall of Fame and a trainer for 40 years before he retired in 2002, died Thursday in a Miami hospital after a brief illness. He was 80.

The son of a riding academy owner, Schulhofer was a successful steeplechase rider for 12 years before turning to training in 1962 and had his first winner that year at Aqueduct.

During his career, which included working for Tartan Farm and Harbor View Farm, Schulhofer trained six champions -- Ta Wee, the top sprinter in 1969 and 1970; Mac Diarmida, male turf leader in 1978; Smile, top sprinter in 1986; Fly So Free, best 2-year-old male in 1990; Rubiano, top 1992 sprinter; and Lemon Drop Kid, best 2000 older male.

Both Smile and Fly So Free also won Breeders’ Cup races, Smile the Sprint in 1986 and Fly So Free the Juvenile in 1990.

Horses trained by Schulhofer won the Belmont Stakes twice, and both were especially notable victories.

In 1993, Colonial Affair was ridden by Julie Krone, who became the first and only female rider to win a Triple Crown race. Six years later, Lemon Drop Kid upset Charismatic, ending Charismatic’s bid for the Triple Crown after his victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

Schulhofer is survived by his wife, Stephanie, two daughters and a son Randy, who also is a trainer. Burial will be in his hometown of Aiken, S.C., on Tuesday.

bob.mieszerski@latimes.com