Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Visionary Fred W. Hooper Opened Pathway For Latin Jockey Success In U.S.

A founder of TOBA, strong advocate for the creation of the Breeders' Cup and a member of countless industry boards, Fred W. Hooper was the first industry leader to foster Latin American jockeys to race at Florida tracks.

Hall of Fame jockeys Laffit Pincay, Jr., Braulio Baeza and Jorge Velasquez among others got their start with Hooper.

Living to be 102, Hooper's own rags-to-riches story of hard work, to always look ahead, and don't look back, is a truly Florida tale. Hooper later received racing's highest honor, an Eclipse Award of Merit.

Hooper's profile is the third in the Florida Thoroughbred History Moment series that has expanded into history profiles.  The first two profiles featured Lugusta “Gus” Gray who actually worked for Hooper for more than 30 years and who still retells the legendary stories of Hooper and his horses in their heyday.

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association has launched a digital campaign promoting the successful history of Florida-breds born and raised in the Sunshine State.

The series titled “Florida Thoroughbred History Moment” features an opening and closing image of an old-timey newsreel much like those featured in movie theaters in the 1940s. Along with the sound of the whirr of the newsreel, each video is narrated by the distinctive voice of Hugh Kelly giving an even more nostalgic feel. Based in Florida, Kelly lends his voice perfectly to the series.

Each 'Florida Thoroughbred History Moment' vignette highlights a significant achievement in Florida-bred history focusing on the people, the horses and the farms that have contributed to its success since the industry kicked off in earnest after Needles' 1956 Kentucky Derby win.

Check out the previous installments of Florida History Moments here:

Ocala Stud Shaped Local, National Auction Markets

Affirmed Enthralled Nation With Triple Crown Triumph

Derby Winner Unbridled's Presence Felt Today In North American Bloodlines

Silver Charm Flies The Florida Flag Around The World

Needles' Derby Triumph Sparks Florida's Thoroughbred Industry

Dr. Fager Goes So Fast He Gets A Speeding Ticket

The post Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Visionary Fred W. Hooper Opened Pathway For Latin Jockey Success In U.S. appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Ocala Stud Shaped Local, National Auction Markets

Few Thoroughbred operations can lay claim to truly changing the bloodstock landscape, but Ocala Stud did just that as a pioneer of the 2-year-olds in training sale concept, now a staple of the auction calendar in Florida and beyond

Ocala Stud sold its first crop of juveniles in 1958, and it has maintained the tradition of selling its homebreds at age two in the years that followed. The Central Florida operation has developed into a prominent breeder, seller, and stallion station, with 15 stallions set to stand at Ocala Stud in 2021.

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association has launched a digital campaign promoting the successful history of Florida-breds born and raised in the Sunshine State.

The series titled “Florida Thoroughbred History Moment” features an opening and closing image of an old-timey newsreel much like those featured in movie theaters in the 1940s. Along with the sound of the whirr of the newsreel, each video is narrated by the distinctive voice of Hugh Kelly giving an even more nostalgic feel. Based in Florida, Kelly lends his voice perfectly to the series.

Each 'Florida Thoroughbred History Moment' vignette highlights a significant achievement in Florida-bred history focusing on the people, the horses and the farms that have contributed to its success since the industry kicked off in earnest after Needles' 1956 Kentucky Derby win.

Check out the previous installments of Florida History Moments here:

Affirmed Enthralled Nation With Triple Crown Triumph

Derby Winner Unbridled's Presence Felt Today In North American Bloodlines

Silver Charm Flies The Florida Flag Around The World

Needles' Derby Triumph Sparks Florida's Thoroughbred Industry

Dr. Fager Goes So Fast He Gets A Speeding Ticket

The post Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Ocala Stud Shaped Local, National Auction Markets appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Affirmed Enthralled Nation With Triple Crown Triumph

Florida-bred Affirmed led his nemesis Alydar to the most thrilling finishes on his way to winning the Triple Crown in 1978, bringing it home to Florida for 37 years.

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association has launched a digital campaign promoting the successful history of Florida-breds born and raised in the Sunshine State.

The series titled “Florida Thoroughbred History Moment” features an opening and closing image of an old-timey newsreel much like those featured in movie theaters in the 1940s. Along with the sound of the whirr of the newsreel, each video is narrated by the distinctive voice of Hugh Kelly giving an even more nostalgic feel. Based in Florida, Kelly lends his voice perfectly to the series.

Each 'Florida Thoroughbred History Moment' vignette highlights a significant achievement in Florida-bred history focusing on the people, the horses and the farms that have contributed to its success since the industry kicked off in earnest after Needles' 1956 Kentucky Derby win.

Check out the previous installments of Florida History Moments here:

Derby Winner Unbridled's Presence Felt Today In North American Bloodlines

Silver Charm Flies The Florida Flag Around The World

Needles' Derby Triumph Sparks Florida's Thoroughbred Industry

Dr. Fager Goes So Fast He Gets A Speeding Ticket

The post Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Affirmed Enthralled Nation With Triple Crown Triumph appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Derby Winner Unbridled’s Presence Felt Today In North American Bloodlines

Unbridled flew the Florida flag proudly during his on-track career, earning the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old male in 1990 on a campaign that included victories in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic. The product of Tartan Farms then became one of North America's most influential sires, still showing up in the sire lines of today's best runners, including as the paternal great-grandsire of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association has launched a digital campaign promoting the successful history of Florida-breds born and raised in the Sunshine State.

The series titled “Florida Thoroughbred History Moment” features an opening and closing image of an old-timey newsreel much like those featured in movie theaters in the 1940s. Along with the sound of the whirr of the newsreel, each video is narrated by the distinctive voice of Hugh Kelly giving an even more nostalgic feel. Based in Florida, Kelly lends his voice perfectly to the series.

Each 'Florida Thoroughbred History Moment' vignette highlights a significant achievement in Florida-bred history focusing on the people, the horses and the farms that have contributed to its success since the industry kicked off in earnest after Needles' 1956 Kentucky Derby win.

The post Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Derby Winner Unbridled’s Presence Felt Today In North American Bloodlines appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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