Longtime blood dealer and horse consultant Harley Clemons died on November 30 in Central Kentucky. He was 82.
The grandson of Hall of Fame coach Woody Stephens, Clemons was preceded by his parents Harley W. and Lillie Stephens Clemons. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Pamela Spies Clemons, daughter Andrea Clemons, stepchildren Chris Howard, Ashley (Andy) Petry, Peter (Kristi) Howard, and six grandchildren.
Born in Lexington on June 6, 1940, Harley loved Lexington and spent most of her life in the “Horse Capital of the World,” with the longest time away from home on a single occasion being 29 days, according to her family. older brother.
Petry said: “He loves fiercely and his heart is big. He can fill a room with his stories, his love, his heart and his laughter.”
Harley graduated from Lafayette High School, where he was an accomplished baseball player, and later attended the University of Kentucky. There his passion grew for UK sports and thoroughbred horse racing.
From the age of 12, he was mentored by Stephens, and as an adult, Clemons pursued a career as a thoroughbred consultant, active in racing and sales. He has advised on the purchase and racing careers of many great horses, including Devil’s Bag and the great Gone West stallion. During his 19-year tenure at Gainsborough Farm, he guided the careers of many equity winners, among them Soviet Line.
Go West
Clemons is a member of the Keeneland Club and the Thoroughbred Club of America, Colonel Kentucky and a Member of the United Kingdom. He feels fortunate to have known so many wonderful people in Lexington and throughout the Thoroughbred industry, many of whom enjoy his fascinating stories.
Through his work, he traveled to many places and met many people, and later as an adult, surrounded by photographs that captured lifelong memories of his love of horses and his life. him with Pam and many of the people he came into contact with. His family said Clemons lived a life centered on the love of God.
Two phrases that Clemons once said were “You’re doing something important if you can help a child” and “Keep the main thing the main thing (God).”
Petry also praised Clemons for his love for her mother, Pamela.
The Clemons family express their gratitude to those who cared for him, especially Dr James Crager, Sayre Christian Village staff, Bluegrass Navigators, caring friend Tricia Benavente and carer Ashley Gates.
In lieu of flowers, the Clemons asked for donations to children’s organizations, Shriners Children’s Hospital and Bluegrass Care Navigators.
The visitation will take place December 6 at 12 p.m. ET at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home in Lexington at 3421 Harrodsburg Road. A service will take place at 2pm with refreshments afterwards.
