Ben F. Whitaker
Ben Franklin Whitaker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 August 1892 |
| Died | 20 April 1954 (aged 61) Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Oil industry entrepreneur, racehorse owner and breeder |
| Years active | 1910s–1954 |
| Known for | Oil production in Texas, ownership of Hotel Whitmore, Thoroughbred racehorse breeding and racing |
Ben Franklin Whitaker (born August 24, 1892 – died April 20, 1954) was an oil industry entrepreneur based in Dallas with producing assets throughout Texas. He also owned the Hotel Whitmore in Dallas and was a distinguished breeder and proprietor of Thoroughbred racehorses, including two horses recognized as National Champions.
During World War I, Whitaker served in the United States Navy.
In the 1930s, he initiated horse racing activities under his wife's name, managing stables located in Garland, Texas. His horses took part in races at Arlington Downs racetrack situated between Fort Worth and Dallas. When horse racing was prohibited in Texas, he moved his operations to Lexington, Kentucky.
Whitaker hired prominent trainers such as Jack Howard, J. H. "Blackie" McCoole, and Hall of Fame member Jimmy Conway (from 1946 to 1954). His horses achieved a total of 231 victories; notable competitors included:
- Requested – acquired for $1,300; secured seven stakes wins at age two and became the sire of champion Miss Request.
- My Request – claimed victory in 16 stakes races between ages two and five, including the Wood Memorial.
- Miss Request – named American Champion Three-Year-Old Filly in 1948.
- Grecian Queen – honored as American Champion Three-Year-Old Filly in 1953.
Whitaker passed away at age 60 in April 1954 due to a heart attack in Dallas.