12219 SW 26th St
Ocala, FL 34481

In 1945, Fred Hooper won the Kentucky Derby with Hoop Jr. Hoop Jr. is buried on this 81-acre parcel, and he is not alone. Twelve other Hooper champions and foundation sires are laid to rest on this same soil, including three-time Eclipse Award champion Susan's Girl (the first American filly to earn over $1 million, buried complete to Hoop Jr.'s right), foundation sire Olympia, Kentucky Oaks winner Quaze Quilt, graded stakes winner Copelan, and major sire Tri Jet. Documented by Thoroughbred Heritage and Barbara Livingston via former farm manager Milt Hendry.

In 2003, after Hooper retired and the original 1,100-acre Circle H Farm was subdivided, Harold and Evelyn Queen purchased these 81 acres directly from Mr. Hooper. They renamed the property Queen Farm and continued the breeding tradition. On this same Ocala Ridge limestone, the Queens foaled Big Drama, winner of the 2010 Breeders' Cup Sprint and Eclipse Award as America's Champion Sprinter. The same soil produced Sheer Drama, Riveting Drama, Little Drama, and Queen Drama.

For the first time in over twenty years of Queen stewardship, this parcel is offered to the next steward.

THE PROPERTY

81.84 acres of premier Marion County limestone soil, the same calcium-carbonate-rich Ocala Ridge substrate widely credited with building stronger bone density and sounder feet in young Thoroughbreds than any soil in North America. Three large shedrow-style barns totaling 68 stalls, all positioned for direct access to the adjacent 1-mile Nelson Jones training track (contact them for rates), considered one of the finest privately accessible.  In addition to the real estate, the winning bidder will have the option to acquire the seller’s ownership share in Ocala Breeders’ Sales, Inc. (OBS) for $550,000—the same price at which recent comparable shares have traded—subject to OBS’s right of first refusal, a rare opportunity to acquire a tightly held industry asset alongside this turnkey Marion County operation.

RESIDENTIAL

Two duplexes (four total units), built in 2003 of concrete block / stucco construction, each unit offering 1,130 sq ft of heated living space with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 600 sq ft attached 2-car garage, and private courtyard. Total residential living area: 4,520 sq ft across the four units. Heat pumps, ceramic tile floors, drywall, monolithic slab foundation, hip roof. Ideal for staff housing, guest quarters, family residence, or income-producing rental. The Queens' long-time on-site groundskeeper currently occupies one unit and is willing to remain with the new owner, providing rare operational continuity.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Tractor, mower, and utility vehicles available for additional purchase.