by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Robert Murphy, 77, the prominent owner and breeder known by the popular Red Star moniker carried by many of his performers, died Feb. 8, 2010, in Surrey, British Columbia.

Horses owned in whole or in part by Mr. Murphy earned well over $100 million, and in 2008 the B.C. Standardbred Breeders Society recognized him and his wife Mary by renaming the B.C. Breeders Stakes 3-year-old races in their honor.

Mr. Murphy’s color-bearers in California were conditioned by Robley Johnson, and included in that group were such outstanding performers as Insolent, Lucky Big Girl and JM Lucky Girl, while Red Star Teardrop was a top-notch pacer for them in Canada. In 2009, Mr. Murphy was the co-owner of the top 3-year-old pacing colt Hypnotic Blue Chip, who won the $218,925 Empire Breeders Classic on his way to $527,108 in season’s earnings.

“He was a great man, and I’ll dearly miss him,” said Johnson, who was associated with Mr. Murphy for some 17 years. “In all my years of meeting people, he stands out. He was the best listener, and also a great friend. He had an amazing impact on harness racing, and I don’t think there’s a track in North America that didn’t see one of his Red Star horses at one time or another.”

Mr. Murphy is survived by his wife of more than 57 years, Mary; daughters, Linda, Denise (Fred) and Sharon (Rick); grandchildren, Theresa, Jamie, Susan, Bobbi, Brandi and Robert; great-grandchildren, Riley, Madison and Brooklyn; and sister, Colleen (Ralph).

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.