Washington owner Harley Hoppe dies at age 82

Harley Hoppe, a Washington-based Thoroughbred owner, businessman and politician, died May 13 in his home on Mercer Island, Wash., according to an obituary in the Seattle Times. He was 82 years old.

Born in Hamilton, Mont., Hoppe moved to Eastern Washington in his youth and owned Thoroughbreds in the state for over five decades. He was a longtime associate of trainer Howard Belvoir, and their partnership was highlighted by nine-time stakes winner Red Eye Express, who won 22 of 66 lifetime starts for earnings of $160,356. In addition to winning consecutive editions of the Speed Handicap at Longacres in 1973-1975, Red Eye Express also finished second in the 1974 Longacres Mile Handicap.

The duo also successfully campaigned Mulcahy, who was named Washington’s 3-year-old male of the year in 2007. The Tribunal gelding won three stakes that year, including the Emerald Downs Derby, and placed in two others.

Hoppe, a tax service professional by trade, was elected as King County’s tax assessor three times and was involved in various taxpayer advocacy movements. He ran for governor in 1974, but was unsuccessful in his bid.

Hoppe is survived by his wife Teresa, daughters Elizabeth, Amy, and Susan, grandchildren Justelle, Brayden, and Alia, and half-sister Rosemary Andrews.

A viewing will be held May 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue, Wash. Funeral services will be held May 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Monica’s Church on Mercer Island.