Ogden Phipps Horse breeder, philanthropist and collector Date of Birth: 26.11.1908 Country: USA

Biography of Ogden Phipps

Ogden Phipps was born in 1908 in New York City. He was named after his mother's brother, Ogden L. Mills. Phipps' mother, Gladys Mills Phipps, and uncle had a keen interest in thoroughbred racehorses and in 1926, they established a partnership called the Wheatley Stable. Under the influence of his mother, Phipps began participating in horse racing in 1932.

In 1937, Phipps married the wealthy socialite Lillian Bostwick, sister of renowned jockey George H. Bostwick. His wife, the owner of a pair of brilliant racehorses, won the American Grand National in steeplechase eight times.

After World War II, Phipps acquired several horses from Colonel Edward R. Bradley's famous stable, which became his initial capital in the racing industry. In 1959, Phipps became one of the founders of the New York Racing Association and served as a member of its board. He held this position until his retirement in 1988 and was named an Honorary Director. Additionally, Phipps served as Chairman of The Jockey Club for 20 years and was the club's longest-standing member at the time of his death.

Phipps became a breeder of nine champions, winning the Eclipse Awards. Some of his most renowned horses include Buckpasser, Personal Ensign, and Easy Goer, all of whom are inducted into the United States Racing Hall of Fame. Although Phipps never won the Kentucky Derby, he came very close on two occasions. His horse Dapper Dan finished second in 1965, and Easy Goer also finished second in 1989.

Phipps' horse named Quick as Lightning won the Newmarket Racecourse in England, and he also won the Breeders' Cup four times. In 2003, Ogden Phipps was honored with the Eclipse Award of Merit.

Aside from his passion for horses, Phipps was an avid art collector, with a notable collection including works by Claude Monet and John Singer Sargent. He also cultivated orchids in his greenhouse, featuring various species from around the world. Phipps was a philanthropist who supported the New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Ogden Phipps lived to the age of 93 and passed away on April 21, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. His friend and fellow horse enthusiast, Marylou Whitney, referred to Phipps' death as the "end of an era in racing." In honor of Phipps, the Ogden Phipps Handicap was named after him at Belmont Park.

The character of Ogden Phipps was portrayed by actor James Cromwell in the 2010 film "Secretariat."