Bernard J. Ridder
Encyclopedia
Bernard Joseph "Ben" Ridder (June 29, 1913 - July 29, 1983) was an American newspaper publisher who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Ridder Publications, Inc. and an executive in the California
Thoroughbred horse racing industry
as well as a racehorse owner and breeder.
Ridder was born in New York City
, one of eight grandsons of the newspaper magnate, Herman Ridder. His father, Joseph E. Ridder was Chairman of the family's Ridder Publications, Inc.
Ben Ridder married Georgia Buck in 1936. They moved from their home on Long Island
, New York
in 1956 to California in order for him to take over as the publisher of the Pasadena Independent & Star News
when Ridder Publications acquired the newspaper.
, the winner of the Grade 1
Santa Anita
and Hollywood Derby
s and California Horse of the Year plus the Eclipse Award winner, Cascapedia.
Ben Ridder served as president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and in 1969 was a founding executive of the Oak Tree Racing Association
, which operates the annual fall meet at Santa Anita Park
.
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
of Ridder Publications, Inc. and an executive in the California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
Thoroughbred horse racing industry
Thoroughbred horse race
Thoroughbred horse racing is a worldwide sport and industry involving the racing of Thoroughbred horses. It is governed by different national bodies. There are two forms of the sport: Flat racing and National Hunt racing...
as well as a racehorse owner and breeder.
Ridder was born in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, one of eight grandsons of the newspaper magnate, Herman Ridder. His father, Joseph E. Ridder was Chairman of the family's Ridder Publications, Inc.
Ben Ridder married Georgia Buck in 1936. They moved from their home on Long Island
Long Island
Long Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
in 1956 to California in order for him to take over as the publisher of the Pasadena Independent & Star News
Pasadena Star-News
The Pasadena Star-News is the local daily newspaper for Pasadena, California. The Star-News is a member of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, since 1996. It is also part of the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group, along with the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and the Whittier Daily News.Ridder Newspapers...
when Ridder Publications acquired the newspaper.
Ridder Thoroughbred Stable
A few years after settling in California, Ben Ridder and his wife Georgia became owners of Thoroughbred racehorses. Some of their notable runners included Flying PasterFlying Paster
Flying Paster was an American Thoroughbred racehorse bred in California by his owner, Bernard J. Ridder of the Knight Ridder newspaper chain...
, the winner of the Grade 1
Graded stakes race
A graded stakes race is a term applied since 1973 by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to thoroughbred horse races in the United States and Canada to describe races that derive their name from the stake, or entry fee, owners must pay...
Santa Anita
Santa Anita Derby
The Santa Anita Derby is an American Grade 1 thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds run each April at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California and carries a purse of $1 million. Inaugurated in 1935, it is considered the most important West Coast stepping-stone to the Kentucky Derby...
and Hollywood Derby
Hollywood Derby
The Hollywood Derby is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in late November/early December at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California. The race is open to horses, age three willing to race a mile and a quarter on turf. It currently offers a purse of ...
s and California Horse of the Year plus the Eclipse Award winner, Cascapedia.
Ben Ridder served as president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and in 1969 was a founding executive of the Oak Tree Racing Association
Oak Tree Racing Association
The Oak Tree Racing Association is an American not-for-profit corporation that exists to conduct live thoroughbred horse racing in Southern California.-History:...
, which operates the annual fall meet at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
.