Memorial service to honor Opperman

Lone Star Park will hold a memorial service next month for trainer Beach Opperman, who died in Metairie, La., on Jan. 21. He was 49.

Opperman moved his stable to Lone Star from Florida a number of years ago and settled in Keller, Tex., which is about 20 miles from Lone Star. Most recently he worked for Thoroughbred Transport in Shreveport, La.

Opperman was a native of Miami and a third-generation trainer. He owned his first racehorse at the age of 9, and saddled his first winner at Hialeah in 1981. He is survived by a daughter, Kylene Opperman; a grandson, Anthony; sisters Sheryl Opperman and Wanda Stirling; and brother-in-law Kent Stirling.

The memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Central, on April 17.