François Dupré | |
|---|---|
 Dupré in 1953 | |
| Born | François Louis Jules Dupré 3 December 1888[1] |
| Died | 26 June 1966(1966-06-26) (aged 77) |
| Occupation(s) | Hotelier, art collector, racehorse owner/breeder |
| Known for | Haras d'Ouilly |
| Spouse | 2) Anna Stefanna Nagy |
François Louis Jules Dupré (French pronunciation:[fʁɑ̃swalwiʒyldypʁe]; 3 December 1888 – 26 June 1966) was aFrench,hotelier,art collector, and owner of theThoroughbredhorse breeding andracing farm,Haras d'Ouilly inPont-d'Ouilly.[3] He was a grandson of the painterJules Dupré.
Dupré served in theFrench Army duringWorld War I. Seriously wounded during battle, he was hospitalized for a considerable length of time. He went on to a career in business that saw him become the owner of two luxury hotels inParis, the prestigiousHotel George V, Paris and theHotel Plaza Athenée. In addition, in 1947, Dupré acquired theHotel Ritz inMontreal, Canada. In 1937, while traveling by passengerliner across the Atlantic, Dupré met twenty-five-year-old Anna Stefanna Nagy who would become his second wife.
Dupré was friends withDuke Louis Decazes, aThoroughbred racehorse enthusiast who owned theHaras d'Ouillystud farm inPont-d'Ouilly,Calvados. Beginning in 1921, the two partnered in several racehorses and in 1930 Dupré purchased the Haras d'Ouilly property. He became one of Europe's leading breeders and owners, winning numerous importantconditions races in France and England. His horseTantième had back-to-back wins in thePrix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1950 and '51, and in 1963Relko wonThe Derby.
Races in France:
Races in England:
Races in the United States:
François Dupré died in 1966 at his estate inJamaica.[2] His widow Anna ran the racing operation until 1977 when she sold the entire bloodstock for £1.3 million to theAga Khan IV. The Dupré's famous colors of gray with a pink cap were taken over byJean-Luc Lagardère who would buyHaras d'Ouilly in 1981.
