Mary Jones Bradley, who campaigned Hall of Famer Cougar II, died Feb. 5 of natural causes at her home in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., according to the Chicago Tribune. She was 90.
A Chicago native, Bradley was a daughter of Irving Florsheim, chairman of Florsheim Shoe Co.
Cougar II, a Chilean import, won numerous major stakes for Bradley and was voted 1972 champion grass horse. Trained by Charlie Whittingham, Cougar II also made his mark on dirt, winning such important stakes as the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and consecutive runnings of the Californian Stakes. Cougar II was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2006.
Bradley stood Cougar II at stud. His runners include 1982 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Gato Del Sol, plus grade I winner Exploded, whom Bradley bred and raced in a partnership that included Whittingham.
Bradley’s other major winners that she bred and/or raced alone and in partnership included Greinton, Live the Dream, and Thrill Show. Greinton won both of California most important events, the Santa Anita Handicap and the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I).
Over the years, Bradley supported animal rights and served on numerous charitable organizations.Her survivors include a daughter, Ellen.