Bob Gentry, Breeder, dies

Robert "Bob" Gentry 81, of Lubbock, Texas was best known for owning and breeding Quarter Horses but also contributed on the Thoroughbred side. Gentry died Jan. 7.

On his own and in partnership with his late brother Bruce, Gentry bred Quarter Horses that earned more than $8.8 million, according to the American Quarter Horse Association.

The brothers also raised Thoroughbreds and were known for outcrossing their Quarter Horses on Thoroughbreds. They owned the 300-acre Gentry Brothers Farm in Lexington and a 20,000-acre ranch near Dixon, Texas. In 1995, Bruce Gentry purchased broodmare and champion Princess Rooney at age 15 for $130,000 at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale.

Some of the top Thoroughbreds bred by the Gentry brothers are homebred Sweet Diva, a two-time stakes winner by Affirmed who in 1989 set a track record at Remington Park for 1 1/16 miles in 1:40, and grade II winner Commitisize, who won eight stakes for owner Mike Pegram.

Also active in cattle ranching, oil, and beer distribution, Robert Gentry helped lead the charge to allow pari-mutuel racing in Texas.

Services will be 2 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock

Read more on BloodHorse.com: www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75447/quarter-horse-breeder-bob-gentry-dies#ixzz2HVMrYMEX