LOST IN THE FOG OWNER ALEO DIES
Harry Aleo, a prominent Northern California horse owner who gained worldwide attention with 2005 sprint champion Lost in the Fog, died at his home in San Francisco Saturday with his longtime companion, Deannie Bartlett, at his side. Aleo, who succumbed to cancer, was 88.
A native of San Francisco, Aleo was signed to a minor league contract by the Brooklyn Dodgers as a third baseman but saw his baseball hopes dashed when he blew out his elbow in spring training in 1940.
Aleo joined the Army and fought under Gen. George Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. Aleo returned to San Francisco after serving his country and started Twin Peaks Properties, a San Francisco real estate agency he owned and operated until his passing.
Aleo became involved in horse racing in 1979 when he met trainer Greg Gilchrist, the only conditioner he would ever employ. Aleo and Gilchrist purchased a horse at Pleasanton named Sunny Shy, who finished fifth in his debut at Bay Meadows. Sunny Shy made his second start at Golden Gate Fields and won but was claimed out of the race by another trainer.
Harry was hooked on horse racing and spent the rest of his life in the game. Although Lost in the Fog was the best horse he ever campaigned, Aleo also owned stakes-winners Minutes Away, Beyond Brilliant, Smokey Stover, Vicarino, Victorina, and Wild Promises, who captured the Yerba Buena Stakes at Golden Gate Fields on June 8.
In addition to Ms. Bartlett, Aleo is survived by daughters Carol, Terri, and Valerie, and three grandchildren. The Valente Mariani Perata Funeral Home (4840 Mission St., San Francisco, CA, 94112, 415-333-0161) will be handling the services, which are pending.