Louisiana Breeder Boorhem Dies at Age 91

William Boorhem, who founded and operated Foxwood Plantation in Belcher, La., died May 31 in Dallas, Texas, at age 91.

Born in Los Angeles, Calif., Boorhem was a fighter pilot with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the war, Boorhem relocated his family to Dallas and was co-founder of Crushers, a limestone crushing company that was later sold to Vulcan Materials. Boorhem later became a partner in establishing Boorhem-Fields, an aggregate company in Sherman, Calif.

After that company was sold, Boorhem pursued his long-term goal of breeding and racing Thoroughbreds. He and his second wife, Pat, established Foxwood Plantation.

Foxwood Plantation bred more than two dozen stakes winners, most them with "Zarb" in their names, and raced in Foxwood's colors. Among the top runners bred by Foxwood was 1996 Arkansas Derby (gr. II) winner Zarb's Magic, as well as the multiple stakes winners Zarb's Luck, Leslie's Love, Zarb's Dahar, Our Love, My Star Runner, and Zarbycat (in partnership with Henry Brilliant).

Under Boorhem's direction, Foxwood was selected as Louisiana's breeder of the year nine consecutive times by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. In addition to his racing and breeding endeavors, Boorhem was also active in supporting backstretch benevolence programs.

Boorhem is survived by his six children. A memorial service has been scheduled for Friday, June 7, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas. The family has requested memorials in Boorhem's honor to the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association in Bossier City, La., or to a favorite charity.