Florida horseman Bill Recio will be long remembered for what he devoted his lifetime to building—the athletic foundations for many of the country's elite racehorses, successful client relationships through honesty and integrity, and a widespread network of friends nurtured with a caring and open heart.
Recio, who lived in Ocala, Fla., died Feb. 10 following a brief illness. He was 78.
Born in Miami, William Recio Jr. was introduced to Thoroughbred racing at an early age by his uncle, who was an owner/trainer. He started his career at the racetrack as a hot walker and through hard work, determination, and a natural gift with horses, earned his first major opportunity as an assistant to the late Arnold Winick. Traveling across the country for prominent owners, he built a reputation for horsemanship rooted in patience, instinct, and integrity.
Recio worked at the tracks as a trainer through the late 1970s and 1980s, but after marrying the love of his life, Lynn, they decided putting down roots in one place better suited their growing family. He accepted the position of farm manager and trainer at Marablue Farm north of Ocala and though he would later return to training at the track, the Recios fell in love with Central Florida and its ideal environment for developing young horses. They eventually made Ocala their permanent home and founded Lynwood Stable, where Recio dedicated himself to pre-training, rehabilitation, and guiding Thoroughbreds both young and seasoned, according to his family.
Alex Rankin, the owner of Upson Downs Farm near Goshen, Ky., developed his friendship with Recio when they both worked for owner/breeder Robert "Country" Roberts. Recio was running Roberts' Post Time Training Center and Rankin managed the broodmares.
"He was all about focusing on the individual horse and what you needed to do for it to reach its potential. His name was never in the program and never on the win sheet, but he never had a problem with that because he just loved the horses," Rankin said. "He lived and breathed these horses and took it seriously. When something went wrong, it was tough on him. There were times he put himself under a lot of stress because he expected the most out of himself and his employees. It was a passion for him."
Recio oversaw the early training for many elite racehorses, including grade 1 winners Songbird, Omaha Beach, Honor Code, Unbridled Belle, Fleet Indian, Battle of Midway, Oleksandra, Funtastic, Gift Box, Leofric, and Guarana, to name a few.
In a 2016 interview with former BloodHorse correspondent Steve Haskin about Fox Hill Farm's champion Songbird, Recio said he had been around enough quality horses to know that the best way of breaking and training a good horse is to "stay out of their way."
"You're just blessed to have these kinds of horses come through your hands," Recio said. "It's just a pleasure. I'm like a high school teacher. I can't wait until October when I get in a new crop, hoping you've got the next Songbird. It keeps you rolling. With a filly like Songbird, I'm just there to make sure she doesn't get in trouble and does things the right way. I have the best blacksmith and great help."
Recio's family said he cared as deeply about the people who worked alongside him and invested in mentoring young riders and horsemen. Noting that he could be tough, he cared about shaping not just better professionals but better people. He would share his convictions and guide others to see his perspective by often saying simply "right or wrong," as he encouraged them to understand, trust, and learn from his approach.
Recio often built close friendships with former business associates and clients. He and Rankin stayed in touch long after Roberts got out of the business, but they grew closer after the Recios lost their son Mike to an illness in 2021. Rankin's son John Taylor Rankin died in 2012.
"My son Hunter was a good friend of Mike's, and Bill and I checked in on each other regularly after that," he said. "Sometimes I would call and he would just tell me he was doing fine and sometimes we would talk for half an hour. We might not see each other for a long time but when we did we had a connection. I have the greatest respect for him and am a better person for having been his friend."
Recio enjoyed celebrating the happier times, too.
"Whenever a horse he broke and trained for us won, Bill would be the first person you would hear from because he took great pride in the work he'd done and the relationships he built," said Adam Corndorf, owner and general manager of Blue Heaven Farm near Lexington. "He would even follow the offspring of horses he'd trained."
Recio played an integral role in the early development of Blue Heaven's racing and breeding operation. Corndorf's mother Bonnie Baskin and his grandfather Sy Baskin, who founded the farm, were introduced to Recio through Taylor Made Farm.
"My grandfather, Sy, lived in Miami and he and Bill developed a wonderful connection from the beginning, talking about fishing and horses. They had a lot in common," Corndorf said. "We would not be where we are or having the success we have had without him. Our best racehorses that became our foundation, Bill broke for us and put them on the path to be successful."
Recio broke and trained Ocean Drive, the first filly Corndorf said they "spent real money on." Ocean Drive went on to become a grade 1-placed, multiple grade 3 winner and one of the foundation mares at Blue Heaven. As a mare, she produced seven winners that included two stakes winners and a grade 2-placed performer.
"I cannot put into words how grateful we are not just for the professional work he did, but his friendship and guidance and advice. He was a person we could always trust with honesty and integrity. He always had the best interest of our operation and our horses at heart," Corndorf said.
Recio is survived by his wife, Lynn; his daughter, Katie Cauthen (Recio) and son-in-law, Doug Cauthen; and his son Gene Recio. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Campbell (Doug and Katie) and Addison and Wesley (Mike).
