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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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.

Source of original post

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.

Source of original post

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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Visitors found limestone-rich pastures and spring-fed aquifers under moss-draped live oak trees good for growing strong horses, which led to an explosion of farms in the county. More than 750 Thoroughbred farms dot Marion County's landscape today along with more than 38,000 Thoroughbreds.

Needles was inducted into the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce for his achievement. Four more Thoroughbreds would join him before the national Chamber said, “No more horses, only humans can create an economic impact.” The horse world would disagree to the tune of  $2.3 billion annual economic impact, 21,000 jobs and preservation of 195,000 acres in the county thanks to equines.

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: Needles’ Derby Triumph Sparks Florida’s Thoroughbred Industry appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post