Famed Owner, Breeder Dies

Sat., Aug. 5, 2000

Fred Hooper, who won the 1945 Kentucky Derby with the first thoroughbred he ever purchased and helped develop Florida’s breeding industry, died in his sleep. He was 102.

Hooper’s death came a day after he announced he would sell his breeding stock of 81 broodmare, weanlings, yearlings and 2-year-olds. Hooper was said to be keeping his racing stable.

Hooper won the 1945 Kentucky Derby and Wood Memorial Stakes with the first thoroughbred he owned, Hoop Jr. A construction company owner born in Cleveland, Ga., he went on to become an influential breeder and a pioneer in the Florida thoroughbred industry. More than 100 horses bred at Hooper Farms have won stakes races.

Hooper was given Eclipse Awards for outstanding breeder in 1975 and 1982 and won an Eclipse Award of Merit in 1991.

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Famed Owner, Breeder Dies

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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