[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 137 (Monday, October 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S10445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO FRED HOOPER

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, as more and more Americans live to 
be 100, thanks to advances in health and longevity, I am honored to 
offer a tribute to a distinguished centurion from Florida: Mr. Fred 
Hooper of Ocala, FL.
  Mr. Hooper, who celebrates his 100th birthday on October 6, 1997, is 
a builder, an educator, and an inspiration to all those who have 
aspired to the triumph of victory in sports competition. Fred Hooper 
has a special place in the history of horse racing because he won the 
Kentucky Derby in 1945 with his first horse, ``Hoop Jr.'', bought in 
1943. Since then, he has bred and raced more than 100 stakes winners.
  For decades, Mr. Hooper has been an instrumental force in 
thoroughbred racing. Through his promotion of horse racing, he has 
supported and strengthened Florida tourism and agriculture; two 
industries which are important components of Florida's economy.
  As he approaches the special milestone of his 100th birthday, Mr. 
Hooper continues to rise early in the morning to oversee the training 
of his top thoroughbreds and the cutting and baling of his hay in the 
fields at his farm.
  I recently visited this living legend at his home in Ocala. As he 
recalled his accomplishments and his ties that extend throughout 
America, I was inspired by a man who has lived a full life and has 
impacted so many people and events. He told me of his first horse, 
``Hoop Jr.'', and his working relationship with Eddie Arcaro, one of 
the all-time greatest jockeys. Together they achieved racing history 
with their victory at the 1945 Kentucky Derby. This Hooper-Arcaro 
combination advanced the Florida racing industry to national 
prominence, while making Fred Hooper a legend in Florida and the racing 
world.
  I also learned that Mr. Hooper's activities have not been limited to 
racing. The Hooper Construction Company built roads, bridges, airports, 
dams and buildings in Florida and the Southeast. It has been said that 
if all the roads built by Mr. Hooper's company were linked together, 
the combined total would stretch for four lanes from Miami to Houston.
  Education is another Fred Hooper hallmark. During the 1970's, he 
contributed to the building of a private school in Alabama, on the 
former site of his construction company. And, he is rightfully proud of 
his support--and the generosity of the thoroughbred industry--for the 
veterinary school at the University of Florida.
  Part of the joy of this birthday is sharing the celebration with 
family. Mr. Hooper is the proud father of 4 children, 13 grandchildren 
and 9 great-grandchildren.
  The celebration of his centennial birthday on October 6, 1997, will 
be another achievement in the rich and rewarding life of Fred Hooper. I 
ask my colleagues to join me, the community of Ocala, the Hooper family 
and all those who love horse racing in congratulating Fred Hooper and 
extending to him best wishes into the next century.

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