As Golden Tempo crossed the finish line to win this year's Belmont Stakes in Saratoga, I watched Ande Phipps emerge from her box wearing the warm smile that had greeted friends for decades. My box sits diagonally behind hers. As she passed by, I leaned across the rail and extended my hand. She reached for it, and we leaned toward one another to exchange a kiss on the cheek.“You deserved this,” I told her.And she did.I did not know it would be the last time I would see her. Ande Phipps was, in every sense, the 'First Lady of Thoroughbred Racing.'Golden Tempo's victory was more than another Classic race for one of racing's great families. He was a sixth-generation Phipps homebred, the product of generations of patience, stewardship and devotion to the Thoroughbred.Ande lived to see her daughter Daisy entrust one of the family's most important horses to Cherie DeVaux.Cherie rewarded that confidence by becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner and, with Golden Tempo's Belmont triumph, the only woman to train the winners of two Triple Crown races.I believe Ande's example was present in Daisy's decision. She encouraged her children to recognize character, ability and integrity. Watching Daisy place her faith in a gifted woman trainer and seeing that faith rewarded on racing's greatest stage–felt like Ande's family values coming full circle.That final image remains with me, Ande smiling, gracious and celebrating the success of her daughter's stewardship of the venerable Phipps Stables. Even as she fought pancreatic cancer, she remained active and engaged with her family, her friends and the sport she loved. I never heard her complain. She faced her illness with quiet dignity and remarkable grace.Many knew her as the beloved wife of Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps, one of the great leaders in American racing, breeding and business. Ande was in every way his confidante, partner and great source of encouragement.Andrea Phipps | Phipps Family PhotoDinny's leadership of The Jockey Club and Bessemer Trust did not happen in isolation. Ande stood beside him, offering important counsel, perspective and strength. She never sought recognition, but those who knew them understood how much she contributed to the man and leader he became.Together, Ande and Dinny sustained more than an extraordinary racing stable. They built a remarkable family of children who learned that privilege carries responsibility, that hard work matters, that philanthropy is an obligation and that the integrity of Thoroughbred racing must be protected and preserved for future generations. Ande encouraged her children and grandchildren not simply to embrace the sport, but also to serve it.Her greatest gift, however, was the way she treated people.Whether you were a Hall of Fame trainer, a stable employee, a young racing fan or a first-time guest at her dinner table, Ande made you feel welcome. She listened. She laughed easily. She remembered names and celebrated the successes of others as enthusiastically as her own.Despite belonging to one of racing's oldest and most distinguished families, she was never distant or intimidating. There was no pretense or haughtiness–only warmth, authenticity, generosity. She was known for her quick wit and a lively sense of humor.There will be other champions, great owners and distinguished breeders. But there will never be another Andrea Phipps. She leaves behind a loving family, countless friends and an industry made better by her presence.For those of us who had the privilege to know her, Ande Phipps will always remain what she was in life–the 'First Lady of Thoroughbred Racing.'The post Letter To The Editor: Andrea Phipps: The First Lady Of Thoroughbred Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.