LOS ANGELES -- In the ultra-competitive thoroughbred racing industry, Bob Lewis was seen by many as the type of horse owner who remained gracious even in defeat.
With his death Friday, friends said Lewis, who came tantalizing close to winning Triple Crowns with Silver Charm and Charismatic, leaves behind a legacy marked by sportsmanship and his trademark sunny personality.
Lewis, 81, had been in declining health for several months, according to his son, Jeff. He died at his home in Newport Beach of heart failure, the younger Lewis said.
Bob Baffert, who trained Silver Charm, said Lewis was a like a father figure who always called to congratulate him after a race even if Baffert was training a horse from another owner.
The biggest lesson Lewis taught him was not to dwell on losses, but to look ahead to the next race, Baffert said. When Silver Charm failed to win the 1997 Triple Crown, Baffert said Lewis shrugged off the loss.
"He turned and looked at me and said, 'Robert, we came close. Thank you very much,'" Baffert said. "He was a very gracious winner and a very gracious loser."
Baffert added: "If there was a Hall of Fame for owners, Bob would be the first one inducted."
The always upbeat Lewis, along with his wife, Beverly, owned some of racing's greatest champions, starting with Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm and Charismatic.
Silver Charm won the Derby and Preakness in 1997, then fell three-quarters of a length short of winning the Belmont Stakes and sweeping the Triple Crown.
Two years later, the Lewises came close again with Charismatic, who won the Derby and Preakness but finished third in the Belmont after breaking a bone in his leg in the stretch.
But even after disappointing defeats, the Lewises always came away sounding like winners. Lewis often used words such as "delightful" and "magnificent" when describing his feelings after races.
"Bob Lewis was not just one of horse racing's most successful and influential owners, he was also one of its most beloved, unforgettable individuals," said D.G. Van Clief, commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and president of the Breeders' Cup. "His wisdom, class and character have left an indelible mark on this industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Beverly and the entire Lewis family at this difficult time."
Lewis was surrounded by his family when he died, said Sherwood Chillingworth, executive vice president of Oak Tree Racing Association, of which Lewis was a board member.
Chillingworth said Lewis was competitive but always remembered to compliment the winner if his own horse lost.
"He was indefatigably cheerful," Chillingworth said. "He was very gracious in defeat."
The Lewises spent millions at yearling sales to build a formidable stable. They also enlisted racing's top trainers to handle their star thoroughbreds. In addition to hiring Baffert, Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas trained Charismatic, as well as several other champions owned by the Lewises.
"Our relationship went way beyond client/trainer a long time ago," Lukas said in a statement released by Santa Anita Park. "He was a very good friend, a special friend who was there for you no matter what."
Santa Anita planned a moment of silence Friday in honor of Lewis. A video tribute to Lewis will be shown Monday.
The owners had six Eclipse Award-winning horses -- five trained by Lukas -- and were awarded an Eclipse of Merit in 1997 for their contributions to the game. In 2000, the Lewises finally won the with long shot Commendable, who was trained by Lukas.
"Bob Lewis was a treasured member of the Kentucky Derby family and a friend to everyone in thoroughbred racing," said Tom Meeker, president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs.
Lewis was born May 12, 1924, in Minneapolis and raised in Glendale, a suburb of Los Angeles.
After serving in the Army during World War II, Lewis graduated from the University of Oregon and worked in Los Angeles as a beer salesman for Bohemian Distributing Co., and later for brewers in Northern and Southern California.
In 1956, Lewis started Foothill Beverage Co., and became one of the largest Anheuser-Busch distributors in the country. In 1990, the Lewises bought their first two thoroughbreds.
Among their champions are 1995 Preakness winner Timber Country (2-year-old male champion, 1994); 1995 Santa Anita Oaks winner
Serena's Song (3-year-old filly champion, 1995), Silver Charm (3-year-old champion male, 1997), Charismatic (3-year-old male champion, 1999), 2002 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Orientate (sprint champion, 2002); and BC Juvenile Fillies winner Folklore (2-year-old female champion, 2005).