End of a Dynasty: Phipps Matriarch Andrea Phipps Dies in New York
Remembering Andrea "Ande" Phipps: A Trailblazer in Horse Racing
Important Note: This article shares the life story of Andrea "Ande" Phipps, a remarkable woman who helped shape one of America’s most famous horse racing families. She passed away on July 28, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family in New York City.
Who Was Andrea "Ande" Phipps?
Andrea "Ande" Phipps wasn’t just the wife of a famous horse racing leader—she was a matriarch, a nurse, a breeder, and a trailblazer for women in the sport of kings.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrea "Ande" Phipps |
| Hometown | Oneonta, New York |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania graduate |
| Profession | Registered Nurse |
| Husband | Ogden Mills "Dinny" Phipps (former Chairman of The Jockey Club) |
| Passed Away | July 28, 2024, in New York City |
| Children | 6 children, 24 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren |
Her Early Life: From Nurse to Racing Royalty
Before she became the "First Lady" of the Phipps Stable, Ande had a completely different career:
- Born and raised in Oneonta, a small city in upstate New York
- Earned her degree from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania
- Worked as a registered nurse — caring for people long before she cared for champion racehorses
- Married Dinny Phipps, joining one of America’s most storied racing families
Did You Know? The Phipps family has been involved in Thoroughbred racing for over 100 years! They’re like the "royal family" of American horse racing.
The Phipps Stable: A Family Legacy
When Ande’s husband Dinny passed away in April 2016, the future of the family’s racing empire—Phipps Stable—fell to Ande and their four children.
What They Decided to Do
Instead of selling everything, the family made a bold choice:
- Downsize the operation (make it smaller and more manageable)
- Keep racing horses
- Continue breeding future champions
- Stay involved in the sport they loved
Champion Horses: The Phipps Stable Hall of Fame
Under Ande’s guidance, Phipps Stable produced some of the most successful racehorses in modern history. Here are the superstars that ran exclusively for the stable in the last 20 years:
Grade 1 Winners (The Biggest Races!)
| Horse | Major Wins |
|---|---|
| Smuggler | Multiple graded stakes winner |
| Good Reward | Consistent top-level performer |
| Pine Island | Alabama Stakes (G1) winner |
| Persistently | Grade 1 winner |
| Point of Entry | Sword Dancer (G1), Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1), Man o’ War (G1) |
| Boisterous | Grade 1 winner |
| Imagining | Grade 1 winner |
| Mr Speaker | Grade 1 winner |
The Crown Jewel: Golden Tempo
Ande was co-owner and co-breeder of Golden Tempo, who won:
- Kentucky Derby (G1) — The most famous horse race in America!
- Belmont Stakes (G1) — The "Test of the Champion," 1½ miles of pure grit
Partnership Power: Golden Tempo was bred and raced together with St. Elias Stables, showing how modern racing often works through teamwork.
The Phipps Women: A Legacy of Leadership
Monique Delk, a top executive at St. Elias Stables, had this to say about the Phipps women:
"Each generation opens the door for the next, and the Phipps women have been trailblazers. That lineage raised strong women and very smart women that did not just want to sit back and watch. They wanted to be involved and participate in the sport."
Meet Daisy Phipps Pulito — The Next Generation
- Ande’s daughter who now runs day-to-day operations of Phipps Stable
- Works closely with St. Elias Stables
- Carries forward her mother’s passion for bringing more women into racing leadership
Family: Her Greatest Achievement
Ande leaves behind a beautiful, large family:
Her 6 Children (and their spouses):
- Kayce Reagan Hughes (married to Jim)
- Kelley Reagan Farish (married to Bill)
- Lilly Phipps Cardwell (married to John)
- Daisy Phipps Pulito (married to David) — Stable manager
- Samantha Phipps Alvarez (married to Matt)
- Ogden Phipps II (married to Ashley)
Plus:
- 24 grandchildren
- 2 great-grandchildren
Honoring Her Memory
Celebration of Life
A private celebration will be held at a later date for family and close friends.
In Lieu of Flowers
The family requests donations to two causes close to Ande’s heart:
| Charity | Address | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer | 422 E. 72nd Street #9F, New York, NY 10021 | Fighting a devastating disease |
| The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation | 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017 | Helping racing’s backstretch workers in need |
Summary: A Life Well Lived
Andrea "Ande" Phipps was:
- A caring nurse who brought compassion to everything she did
- A racing matriarch who helped guide a legendary stable through transition
- A devoted mother and grandmother who raised strong, capable children
- A trailblazer who proved women belong in every corner of horse racing
- A partner who believed in collaboration (like with St. Elias Stables)
Her legacy lives on in every horse bred by Phipps Stable, every woman inspired to lead in racing, and every life touched by her kindness.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is The Jockey Club?
Think of it as the "official record keeper" for Thoroughbred racing in North America. They register horses, maintain the stud book, and help govern the sport. Dinny Phipps (Ande’s husband) was the Chairman—the top leadership role.
What does "G1" mean after a race name?
G1 = Grade 1 — the highest level of horse races, like the "Major Leagues." The Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Classic are all Grade 1 races.
What’s the difference between "owner" and "breeder"?
- Breeder = The person/farm who owns the mare (mom) when the foal is born. They make the mating decision.
- Owner = The person who pays for the horse’s training and racing.
- Ande was BOTH for Golden Tempo — she helped create him AND raced him!
Who runs Phipps Stable now?
Daisy Phipps Pulito (Ande’s daughter) handles day-to-day operations, working alongside partners like St. Elias Stables.
Why are the Phipps family so famous in racing?
They’ve been breeding and racing champions since the 1920s! Famous horses include Easy Goer, Personal Ensign, Strike the Gold, and many more. They’re considered one of the "blue blood" families of the sport.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release edited by BloodHorse Staff. BloodHorse is the leading news source for the Thoroughbred industry.
Rest in peace, Ande Phipps. Your impact on racing—and on the people who knew you—will never be forgotten.
