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End of an Era: Phipps Stable Matriarch Andrea Phipps Dies
Remembering Andrea "Ande" Phipps: A Life of Family, Horses, and Kindness
Who Was Andrea "Ande" Phipps?
Andrea Phipps—known to everyone as Ande—was a remarkable woman who lived a life full of love, family, and a deep passion for horse racing. She was the wife of Ogden Mills "Dinny" Phipps, who served for many years as the chairman of The Jockey Club (the organization that keeps track of all thoroughbred horses in North America).
Important Point: Ande wasn’t just a spectator in the horse racing world—she was a leader and co-owner of one of the most famous racing stables in America.
A Peaceful Goodbye
Ande passed away on a Tuesday in New York City after a short illness. She was surrounded by her children when she died. Her family shared the news with a heartfelt statement celebrating her life and legacy.
The "Matriarch" of Phipps Stable
What Is a "Matriarch"?
Think of a matriarch like the captain of a ship or the head of a big, loving family. Ande guided Phipps Stable—her family’s horse racing operation—with wisdom and care.
Amazing Horses They Owned and Bred
Under Ande’s leadership, Phipps Stable bred and raced some incredible champion horses. Here are just a few of the graded stakes winners (horses that won top-level races) from the past 20 years:
- Smuggler
- Good Reward
- Pine Island
- Peristently
- Point of Entry
- Boisterous
- Imagining
- Mr. Speaker
Big News: Ande was also the co-owner and breeder of Golden Tempo, the winner of the 2026 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes—two of the most famous horse races in the world!
The stable also partnered with other owners to campaign many more stakes winners over the years.
Her Early Life and Career
Before she became a racing icon, Ande had a completely different career:
- Born and raised in Oneonta, New York (a small city in upstate NY)
- Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (an Ivy League school!)
- Worked as a registered nurse—caring for patients in hospitals
Important Point: Ande’s nursing background shows her lifelong dedication to caring for others—whether they were patients or horses!
A Beautiful, Big Family
Ande leaves behind a wonderful, large family:
Her Six Children:
- Kayce Reagan Hughes (married to Jim)
- Kelley Reagan Farish (married to Bill)
- Lilly Phipps Cardwell (married to John)
- Daisy Phipps Pulito (married to David)
- Samantha Phipps Alvarez (married to Matt)
- Ogden Phipps II (married to Ashley)
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren:
- 24 grandchildren
- 2 great-grandchildren
Her husband, Dinny Phipps, passed away on April 6, 2016—so they’re now together again.
Honoring Her Memory
Private Celebration
The family will hold a private celebration of Ande’s life at a later date. This gives them time to grieve and plan something truly special.
How You Can Help (Instead of Flowers)
The family has asked that instead of sending flowers, people consider donating to one of these two charities close to Ande’s heart:
| Charity | Address | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer | 422 E. 72nd Street #9F, New York, NY 10021 | Funds research and support for pancreatic cancer patients |
| The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation | 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017 | Helps people in the thoroughbred industry during hard times |
Summary
Andrea "Ande" Phipps was:
- A pioneer in horse racing as matriarch of Phipps Stable
- Co-owner/breeder of Golden Tempo (2026 Kentucky Derby & Belmont winner)
- A former registered nurse from Oneonta, NY
- A devoted wife, mother of 6, grandmother of 24, great-grandmother of 2
- Remembered for her kindness, leadership, and love of family
Her legacy lives on through her family, the horses she helped breed and race, and the countless lives she touched.
FAQ: Questions You Might Have
What is The Jockey Club?
The Jockey Club is like the official record-keeper for all thoroughbred horses in the U.S. and Canada. They register horses, maintain pedigrees, and work to improve the sport of horse racing.
What does "graded stakes winner" mean?
In horse racing, stakes races are top-level competitions where owners pay fees to enter. Graded stakes are the most prestigious ones (Grade 1 is the highest). A "graded stakes winner" is a horse that has won one of these elite races—like winning a championship game!
What is Phipps Stable?
Phipps Stable is the family racing operation of the Phipps family. They breed, own, and race thoroughbred horses. Think of it like a family business—but instead of a bakery or store, their "products" are champion racehorses!
Why are donations requested instead of flowers?
Many families prefer charitable donations because:
- Flowers are beautiful but temporary
- Donations create lasting impact for causes the person cared about
- It honors the person’s values and passions
What is the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes?
These are two of the three races in the Triple Crown (the third is the Preakness):
- Kentucky Derby: Run in Louisville, KY on the first Saturday in May — "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports"
- Belmont Stakes: Run in Elmont, NY in June — the longest and oldest of the three
Winning both is an incredible, rare achievement!
Rest in peace, Ande Phipps. Your legacy of love, family, and champion horses will gallop on forever.
