The late Clement Hirsch’s silks are being added to the collection at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association headquarters in Arcadia. Throughout the hallways of the CTBA offices, the California Thoroughbred Foundation displays the silks of people who have made notable breeding and racing contributions to the industry.
A founder of the Oak Tree Racing Association, Hirsch was a prominent owner and breeder for more than 50 years prior to his death in 2000. He also was instrumental in the establishment of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and sat on that board as well as the CTBA board. Hirsh’s son, Bo, has continued to race horses and donated the silks to honor his father.
The late Warren Stute was Hirsch’s longtime trainer, taking over for R. H. McDaniel, who moved to Las Vegas, in 1952. Hirsch won the 1969 Hollywood Gold Cup with Figonero and the 1970 Charles H. Strub Stakes with Snow Sporting, both Argentine imports. He also owned California-bred June Darling, winner of the 1970 Del Mar Futurity, Oak Leaf Stakes, and Norfolk Stakes. Other Hirsch stakes winners included Magical Mile and Magical Maiden.