When Julie Krone was riding, it was always on to the next race, on to the next day, on to the next track, allowing precious little time to celebrate her accomplishments, no matter how unprecedented they were. “When you are younger,” Krone said in 2014, “you are so in the moment.” Krone is now 59 years old, a wife to BloodHorse columnist Jay Hovdey, and a caring mother to Lorelei. She has had time to put perspective on it all. “I went through all these different phases. Now I look at it that it’s really cool. I really did that,” she said.
Month: May 2023
Where to Watch/Listen: Horse Racing Coverage June 1-4
After an exciting Memorial Day holiday weekend of racing, the calendar takes a brief respite from marquee stakes while preparation ramps up for the 155th Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets and jam-packed Belmont Stakes Festival of Racing on June 9-10 at Belmont Park.
Frosted Grace Caps Big Day For Torres In Steve Sexton Mile
Flying P Stable's Frosted Grace secured his first graded stakes win Monday when he overtook longtime leader Touchuponastar and shook clear in the $400,000 Steve Sexton Mile at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas.
The 7-year-old Mark Valeski gelding scored by 1½ lengths and covered the eight furlongs in 1:37.99 under Cristian Torres, who landed his third stakes victory on the Memorial Day card at the Grand Prairie, Texas track.
Touchuponastar held on for second, a head in front of third-place finisher Kokokomo.
Torres also won the $300,000 Texas Derby with Dixiana Farms' Hayes Strike and the $100,000 Memorial Day Sprint on Jerry Caroom's Adaline Julia.
Both Frosted Grace and Adaline Julia are trained by Robertino Diodoro.
Relaxed off the early pace in seventh in the 10-horse field, Frosted Grace was angled four wide entering the stretch and closed with determination to wear down Touchuponastar and notch the win. His career record improved to 9-14-6 from 41 starts with lifetime earnings of $750,702.
Frosted Grace was bred in Kentucky by Brereton C. Jones. Produced by the Thunder Gulch mare Class, he was a $10,000 Keeneland September yearling sale purchase in 2017.
The post Frosted Grace Caps Big Day For Torres In Steve Sexton Mile appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
David Hooper, Longtime Racing Official and Executive, Passes
David Elliott Hooper, 88, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday after after a long battle with cancer. As in life, his beloved wife Martha was by his side.
Hooper was born on Jan. 3, 1935, to Raymond and Doris Hooper in East Rutherford, N.J. After attending the United States Naval Academy through an appointment from Congress (1953-56), he completed his studies by graduating from University of Pennsylvania as part of the class of 1961.
After graduating with a degree in International Relations, Hooper began a storied career in the horse racing industry that spanned over 60 years. He held many regulatory positions, including executive secretary of the Illinois Racing Board, and served as a steward at the state and racetrack levels in eight states. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Pete Pedersen Award from the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, which recognizes professional excellence, integrity, and benevolent consideration in the performance of their duties. Often referred to respectfully as “Judge,” Hooper was regarded widely as being fair in his stewardship and interactions with fellow horsemen, while prioritizing the ethics of the game and safety of the jockeys. He retired in 2020, his final position as steward at Canterbury Park in Minnesota.
In addition to his positions as a regulator, Hooper also held positions in executive administration at the Thoroughbred Breeders of Kentucky (1970-76), the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders (1984-86), and the Texas Thoroughbred Association (1997-2012). One of his crowning accomplishments included a special assignment to lead the Smithsonian FolkLife Festival (1973) showcasing the state of Kentucky in Washington D.C. The festival included displays of Kentucky heritage such as arts & crafts, tobacco, bourbon, and a straightaway for horse racing beside the Washington Monument.
Hooper attended or covered over 40 Kentucky Derby races as a fan and a commentator. His most memorable Derby was in 1973 when Secretariat won and began what would become a coveted Triple Crown achievement. Throughout his career in media, Hooper worked as a columnist, commentator, reporter and race caller for various outlets, including Daily Racing Form, WHAS-TV, ESPN, Lexington Herald-Leader, and the Miami Herald.
He also served as coordinator and lecturer at the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program, specializing in racing laws and enforcement, covering all aspects of regulatory oversight. Hooper was a mentor to many who came through the program.
In 1995, Hooper met Martha Hufford at the Texas Racing Commission. He and Martha soon married and enjoyed 25 years as husband and wife. They spent many years traveling across the United States, while enjoying various hobbies.
Throughout his life, Hooper was an avid sports enthusiast. He particularly enjoyed playing tennis, which translated to a lifetime sport for him and his daughters. His love of Philadelphia sports teams, both at the college and professional level, was well known. He had an endearing interest in his grandchildren's achievements through sports and academics, including watching films of lacrosse and football games.
Hooper was predeceased by his father and mother Raymond and Doris Hooper, his beloved brother Paul and his wife Kathy, as well as his grandson Ethan. He is survived by his wife Martha, Sara Hufford (step daughter), Warren Hufford (step son), Cynthia Slachta (daughter and wife of Michael), Suzanne Hooper (daughter), Jennifer Kash (daughter and wife of Brian), Kathleen Slachta (granddaughter), Elle Slachta (granddaughter), Grace Slachta (granddaughter), Mick Slachta (grandson), Bryce Kash (grandson), Paige Kash (granddaughter), Bradley Hufford (grandson), Aron Hufford (grandson) and his wife Kara, Haley Hufford (granddaughter). Elizabeth Sweens (granddaughter), Hannah Sweens (granddaughter), as well as five great grandchildren.
Services are pending.
The post David Hooper, Longtime Racing Official and Executive, Passes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
