Renowned Washington breeder Ron Hagen passed away on September 12, 2026, in Kent at the age of 81. Together with his wife, Nina, Hagen was responsible for breeding six Washington state champions, either individually or in partnership, including notable horses like Knight Raider—who sired Freightline, another champion—as well as Slew the Man, Dutton, Coastal Kid, and the farm’s latest champion, Saleen G T, crowned in 2023.
The Hagens have been recognized as Washington’s top breeders on nine occasions, most recently from 2022 through 2025. Their presence among the state’s leading breeders dates back to 2000. Beyond their champions, they also bred several distinguished horses such as the Platters of the Year Indian Weaver (2011) and Knight Club (2016), along with the most improved platers Percy’s Bluff (2016), Exit Sixty Slew (2017), and Coastal Jazz (2024).
The couple acquired their first Thoroughbreds in 1981 and, by December 1983, purchased the original property in Enumclaw, Washington, which evolved into their El Dorado Farms spanning six parcels and totaling 100 acres. At its peak, El Dorado Farms housed up to 80 broodmares and stood eight stallions.
El Dorado Farms has consistently been a leading consignor at the WTBOA Summer Yearling Sales, topping the sales in 2023. The Hagens earned the S. J. Agnew Special Achievement Award in 2017 and were inducted into the breeder category of the Washington Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in 2025. That year, they also received recognition from TOBA for their contributions to Washington racing. Ron served on the WTBOA Sales Committee from 2006 to 2008.
Ron and Nina raced a number of horses individually and jointly, including 2026’s Emerald Downs’ leading 2-year-old filly Mattie Goincoastal, whom they also bred. Originally from Minnesota, Ron grew up around horses in North Dakota and Wyoming, where his father was a horse dealer specializing in buying, breaking, and reselling horses. Ron recalled attending horse sales as early as age five.
After moving to Washington in 1969, Ron engaged in Quarter Horse racing at various fair meets and met Nina while boarding his horses. They married in 1982 at Inverwood Stables in a Western-style ceremony where everyone rode horses and the officiant stood in a buckboard wagon.
Ron founded Design Air Limited in Kent, a company providing HVAC services, which contributed to building and maintaining facilities such as the WTBOA Sales Pavilion and sales offices in 1997. He also constructed and donated portable sales barns for Emerald Downs.
Ron is survived by his wife Nina, son Kenny, grandson Reese, and brothers Duaine (Sheila) and Gary (Roseann). A viewing will take place on Wednesday, September 30, at Week’s Funeral Home in Buckley, followed by a procession past El Dorado Farms and a graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Park, escorted by a horse-drawn carriage.
A celebration of Ron’s life is planned for 2027 at Emerald Downs, with the date to be announced.
This story first appeared in the News section of Paulick Report on September 26, 2026.
Fan Take: Ron Hagen’s passing marks the end of an era for Washington’s Thoroughbred breeding and racing community. His legacy of champion horses and dedication to the sport exemplify the deep connections between breeders and regional racing success, underlining how committed individuals shape the future of horse racing.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
