Philip Conrad Ernst, 84, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born in Los Angeles, California, to the late Melva K. and Conrad Ernst. Raised in Covington, Kentucky, Philip grew up in a small home with his four siblings, where he developed a strong ambition to be a jockey.
For over 40 years, Phil dedicated himself to the sport of thoroughbred racing as a rider at every racetrack to exist across New England, and many others throughout the Eastern United States. Starting his career by traveling to wherever opportunities arose, Phil and his wife, Sheila Ernst (Mistal), spent time in Vermont while he raced at Green Mountain Park before settling in Rhode Island for many years. He would commute to racetracks across New England, including Lincoln Downs, Narragansett Park, Suffolk Downs, Rockingham Park, and Scarborough Downs.
Phil’s remarkable career spanned over 17,400 races, with at least 34% of them resulting in wins or top three finishes. Among his many notable achievements, Phil made history by winning the first-ever race at Finger Lakes Racetrack in upstate New York and won the final race ever held at Narragansett Park, his favorite track. A man of few regrets, Phil was proud to have pursued a life doing exactly what he was determined to do as a child - There’s not a lot of people who can say that. After sustaining a broken leg after a racing accident and recovering, he decided to take a break and then made the decision to permanently retire when his grandson was born.
Beyond his passion for racing, Phil enjoyed fishing, golfing, watching football and boxing, and taking day trips with his family.
Above all, his greatest joy and proudest achievement was his family. He shared 61years of love and companionship with his devoted wife, Sheila (Mistal) Ernst. He took great pride in his daughter, Kelly Rebello, and cherished every moment spent with his beloved grandson, Brendan Rebello. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Richard and Donald Ernst. He is survived by his sister, Connie Baugh, and his brother, Mike Ernst, along with his wife, daughter, and grandson, and many friends who will carry his memory forward with love and gratitude.
A Graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00am in the Longhill Cemetery, 105 Beach Road, Salisbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Old Friends, Inc., 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY 40324 or at
oldfriendsequine.org/