LAKE CHARLES, LA—AUGUST 11, 2020—Louisiana horseman Elliot Clark, Sr., who raced champion and legendary sire Mr Jess Perry, died Saturday (August 8) in Opelousas, Louisiana due to complications from COVID-19. He was 84.

Clark, who was born on February 17, 1936 in Iowa, Louisiana, was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana and resided in the state his entire life. The father of seven children got started in horse racing when his in-laws at the time giving him his first race horse named Nancy C.

Clark rose to prominence in the Quarter Horse racing industry after long-time trainer John Brasseaux selected a son of Streakin La Jolla at Clark's request at the LQHBA Yearling Sale for $15,500 by the name of Mr Jess Perry.

Mr Jess Perry would post victories in the $961,418 Texas Classic Futurity (G1), and the $167,782 LQHBA Futurity (RG1) before being honored as AQHA Racing Champion 2-Year-Old and Champion 2-Year-Old Colt in 1994.

In his 3-year old campaign, Mr Jess Perry was victorious in the $335,867 Texas Classic Derby (G1), closing out his racing career with a record of 12 wins from 21 starts and earnings of $687,184.

After only a few years at stud in Louisiana, Mr Jess Perry was sold privately to the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. The 6666's later syndicated the stallion who is the #3 all-time leading sire of money earners with more than $57.6 million.

Mr Jess Perry is the sire of world champion Apollitical Jess and multiple other champions: One Famous Eagle, Noconi, Miss Racy Jess, Fredricksburg, Fredaville and Matabari, who remains his top earner with $1,410,471. He also sired the winner of the 2010 All American Futurity (G1) winner, Mr Piloto.

Elliot Clark, Sr. was proceeded in death by his granddaughter Gen Trevino Clark, and is survived by his seven children: Alfredia Clark, Sonna Clark, Elliot Clark, Jr., Marty Clark, Dedria Watson, Darran Clark, Trevino Clark.

Funeral arrangements for Elliot Clark, Sr. are pending, and will be announced once plans have been formalized.