Washington Owner/Politician Harley Hoppe Dies

Longtime Washington Thoroughbred owner and renowned businessman/politician Harley H. Hoppe died May 13 at his home on Mercer Island.

Hoppe, 82, an owner for more than 50 years, amassed an illustrious Thoroughbred racing career that included several stakes winners including all-time favorite Red Eye Express—an eight-time stakes winner and runner-up in the 1974 Longacres Mile—and considered one of Longacres' greatest sprinters.

Along with Red Eye Express, Hoppe and trainer Howard Belvoir joined forces on numerous racehorses in a partnership that dated back to 1964. At Emerald Downs, Hoppe and Belvoir teamed with Mulcahy, voted Top 3-Year-Old Male of 2007.

Belvoir said his longtime partner and friend would be missed.

"He was a great man," Belvoir said. "He was one of my first clients. We'd been together a long time."

Away from the track, Hoppe owned Harley H. Hoppe & Associates, a property tax service, and was the King County Tax Assessor for many years. Hoppe also ran for governor in 1974, and in defeat still carried all the small counties in Washington State.

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

Funeral services will be held May 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Monica's Church on Mercer Island.