Beard, Texas horseman, dead

Stanley Beard, a past president of the Texas Thoroughbred Association who served on the first board of directors of the Breeders' Cup, died on Dec. 14. He was 79.

Beard purchased his first Thoroughbred in 1947, and raced close to 20 stakes winners. The most prominent was Triple Sec, who in 1983 was the nation's top-earning 2-year-old, according to the TTA. Overall, the horse won six stakes and more than $500,000 and later was a leading stallion in Texas.

Beard was an association board member from 1986-2000 and served as the organization's president from 1988-1989. He also was a past president of the Texas Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. His business interests included real estate holdings.

Beard's survivors include his wife of 60 years, Dorothy. The date for his memorial service has yet to be set, but it will be held at Garden of Memories in Kerrville, Texas.