One of the five Texas Preview Stakes on Saturday, Feb. 17 has been renamed to honor executive David E. Hooper, who passed away May 29 following a battle with cancer, Sam Houston Race Park said in a release Wednesday.
The 88-year-old had an extensive career in the horse racing industry, which included serving as executive director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association from 1997-2012.
Hooper held several regulatory positions, including executive secretary of the Illinois Racing Board and he was a steward in eight states.
In 2018, he was the recipient of the Pete Pedersen Award from the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, and served as coordinator and lecturer at the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program.
“Dave did an incredible job for our association and working with him was a pleasure,” said TTA's Mary Ruyle. “He always looked forward to Texas Champions Day at Sam Houston Race Park and celebrating the growth and excellence of Texas racing.”
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