Hirsch, Mary (c. 1913–)

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Hirsch, Mary (c. 1913–)

American owner and trainer of thoroughbreds. Name variations: Mary McLennan. Born c. 1913; dau. of Max Hirsch (thoroughbred trainer who won the Kentucky Derby with Bold Venture, Assault, and Middleground); m. Charles McLennan (racing secretary), 1940.

Served as assistant trainer with father for 3 years; became 1st woman licensed to train thoroughbred horses (Illinois, 1934); received trainer's license in state of NY (1936); as a pioneering woman trainer, became 1st woman to train a horse ("No Sir") which ran in Kentucky Derby (1937).

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