By Marcus Hersh

Albert Stall Sr., a former longtime chairman of the Louisiana Racing Commission and a prominent Thoroughbred owner, died Sunday in New Orleans at 85. He was the father of four children, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic-winning trainer Al Stall Jr.

Al Stall Sr. was born in Cairo, Ill., but came to New Orleans with his family as a child. Stall’s father worked in the Louisiana oil fields, and Stall got into the oil business himself after becoming a geologist. Stall first went to the races at Fair Grounds as a teenager in New Orleans and quickly was smitten with the racing bug. He became chairman of the LRC in 1972 and during more than 20 years in that position helped introduce turf racing, Sunday racing, and exotics betting to Louisiana racetracks.

Stall had a long and successful career as a horse owner, winning many major races alone or in partnerships. His Lady Vi-E captured the 1970 Kentucky Oaks, and Combat Ready won the New Orleans Handicap in 1973.

Stall had been living with Alzheimer’s for more than a decade, according to Al Stall Jr., who said services were to be arranged Monday.