Widener, George D.

▪ American racehorse owner

born Mar. 11, 1889, Philadelphia

died Dec. 8, 1971, Chestnut Hill, Pa., U.S.

      U.S. financier, breeder, owner and racer of Thoroughbred horses.

      Scion of a wealthy Philadelphia family, Widener was educated privately and at the deLancey School in Philadelphia. He managed the family's affairs and became a director of the Electric Storage Battery Company and of the Provident National Bank, Philadelphia.

      In 1916, continuing the fondness for horses that was a family trait, Widener began to raise Thoroughbreds at Erdenheim Farm in Pennsylvania and also at Old Kenny Farm near Lexington, Ky. Among his best-known horses was Jaipur, who won the Travers Stakes and the Belmont Stakes in 1962. Other outstanding horses were Eight Thirty, Jamestown, What a Treat, and Bold Hour. Until his death at 82, Widener served as honorary chairman of the Jockey Club of New York City and of the New York Racing Association.

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