Mandy Pope is a well-known American businesswoman who has made a fortune in the horse racing industry. She is the owner and operator of Whisper Hill Farm, a world-renowned breeding and racing facility in Ocala, Florida. She is also the founder, secretary, and treasurer of the John William Pope Foundation, a charitable organization that supports public policy research, education, human services, and the arts in North Carolina. According to different sources, her total net worth is $20 million.

Mandy Pope’s Early Life and Education

Mandy Pope was born on November 11, 1963, in the USA. She grew up in Ocala, Florida, where she developed a passion for horses at a young age. She bought her first horse, Blue Whisper, as a high-school student at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Animal Science in 1985.

Mandy Pope’s Career in Horse Racing

After completing her education, Mandy Pope started her career in horse racing as a breeder, seller, trainer, and owner. She established Whisper Hill Farm in 1980, which has become one of the most successful and prestigious farms in the industry. She has bred and owned many fan favorites, such as Grade 1 winner and millionaire Tizway, Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty, and champion female sprinter Groupie Doll.

Mandy Pope is also known for her record-breaking purchases of some of the most superbly bred horses in the world. In 2012, she made history when she bought 2011 Horse of the Year Havre De Grace at the Fasig Tipton November Sale for a record $10 million, the next day purchasing Plum Pretty for $4.2 million. In 2019, she bought an American Pharoah filly for $8.2 million at the Keenland September yearling sale, who is the half-sister to champion racemare Beholder.

Mandy Pope is not only a successful businesswoman, but also a highly competitive and passionate horse lover. She said, “The greatest thrill and the reason for all of this is to actually put your hands on the horse, to be in the presence of the horse. It’s the horse. That’s what it’s about. The parties are great and fun, but just the excitement of being a part of such a wonderful creature.”

Mandy Pope’s Philanthropic Efforts

Mandy Pope is also well known for her charitable and philanthropic efforts, especially for giving back to those who work in the horse racing industry. She is a founding board member, secretary, and treasurer of the John William Pope Foundation, which was established in 1986 by her late father, John William Pope, who was a prominent businessman and conservative activist. The foundation supports nonprofit public policy research, education, human services, and the arts in North Carolina, with the goal of improving the well-being of its citizens. The foundation has given more than $170 million to these causes since its inception.

Mandy Pope is also a generous donor to Thoroughbred-related nonprofits, such as the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Thoroughbred Charities of America, and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. She cares deeply about the welfare and retirement of her horses, as well as the workers who take care of them. She said, “I feel very strongly that we have a responsibility to the people who work for us and to the horses that we own. They give us so much joy and pleasure, and we owe them a good life after they’re done racing.”

Conclusion

Mandy Pope is a remarkable woman who has achieved great success and wealth in the horse racing industry. She is the owner of Whisper Hill Farm, a top-notch breeding and racing facility in Florida, and the founder of the John William Pope Foundation, a charitable organization in North Carolina. She has a net worth of $20 million, which she has earned through her smart and bold investments in some of the finest horses in the world. She is also a passionate and compassionate horse lover, who gives back to the industry and the community through her generous donations and support. She is an inspiration to many, and a role model for aspiring horse breeders and philanthropists.