Harold Rose dead at 92

MIAMI - Harold Rose, the dean of Calder horsemen and one of the most beloved trainers in south Florida, died Monday afternoon in his home in north Miami. He was 92 years old.

Rose purchased his first horse for $800 in 1951. Rose would ultimately become one of the area's premier owner-breeders and trainers. His most notable homebreds included Mia's Hope, Hal's Hope, Rexson's Hope, and My G.P.

Mia's Hope's victories included the Grade 3 Davona Dale and Grade 2 Bonnie Miss Stakes, both at Gulfstream. She was also the dam of Hal's Hope, a two-time Grade 1 winner who earned more than $1 million. My G.P. and Rexson's Hope won divisions of the 1983 In Reality Stakes, the final leg of the Florida Stallion Stakes.

Rose participated in two Kentucky Derbies, finishing 10th with Rexson's Hope in 1984 and 16th with Hal's Hope in 2000.

Rose had been pointing his latest 2-year-old prospect, Hopefortheroses, for the 2003 In Reality Stakes. Hopefortheroses is a half-brother to Hal's Hope, the 2000 Florida Derby winner, by Fortunate Prospect.

Rose was inducted into the Calder Hall of Fame in 1997.

Rose is survived by his wife, Elsie, sons Barry and Randy, daughters Joan and Fran, and numerous grandchildren.

Services were planned for Wednesday at the Levitt and Weinstein Funeral Home in Hollywood, Fla.