Brutus Clay III remembers being told stories about how people considered his father “a big problem.” However, Catesby Clay, the long-time president of Runnymede Farm, has never behaved that way. He always considered everyone equal regardless of their status in life.
That’s just part of the legacy Brutus Clay hopes to continue for future generations after his father passed away on September 29 at the age of 101.
“He was born into a life where he was given a lot of opportunities, but he really wanted to be a good steward of that and he was really committed to helping people and living by faith And the example he gave was his eight things.” children and 15 grandchildren will live on,” Brutus Clay, current farm president and CEO, said of his father.
Clay passed away peacefully in his sleep in the room below the room where he was born. Runnymede was founded by Clay’s grandfather, Colonel Ezekiel Clay.
“Pops lived an incredibly full, satisfying life and there really couldn’t have been a better script for his end at the age of 101,” Brutus Clay said. “It’s sad but he’s in a better place. He’s with God.”
Brutus and Catesby Clay in 2018
Brutus Clay said that although his father has gradually declined in recent years, he still says his father is at home. But added that the race took place Belmont Parkknown for its home stretch.
Runnymede President Romain Malhouitre said in a statement: “Mr. Clay’s passion for the thoroughbred business and Runnymede Farms is unconditional. He has led the farm for decades and has prepared us through this transition. Our program has always been guided by his beliefs and will continue to be so.” do so. He shared our love of sports with his wife; Mrs. Clay, his children and grandchildren. We look forward to continuing his vision with his son Brutus Clay and the entire family at the helm.
Focus
Catesby Clay lived his life with three priorities guiding his every decision: Faith. Family. Farm.
He was a humble servant and believed in giving back to others.
A lifelong Catholic, Clay was a member of Annunciation Church in Paris, Ky., where he served as a lecturer, high school religion teacher, minister and communion minister. He was also generous with many local and international Catholic activities and missions from Africa to Asia. He and his wife Elizabeth “Biz” received the Sister Fran Moore Award in 2011 to honor their support and generosity to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lexington.
Clay also serves on the board of the Hope Center in Lexington and contributes to Big Brothers and the Paris Food Bank.
“He lives by his faith and stays true to that, even when he’s helping people or doing anything, he makes sure he stays true to that,” Brutus Clay said. ”.
In addition, Catesby Clay served on the board of directors of the Lexington School from 1974-1985 and was a member of the board of directors of Georgetown University, where he graduated.
Up and running
The youngest of six children of Brutus Junius Clay and Agnes McEvoy Clay, Catesby Clay took over the farm from his grandfather in the 1950s. During this time, Catesby Clay emphasized animal husbandry, building from a small herd of stallions.
Catesby Clay in front of the Runnymede Farm sign
He quickly saw results, earning his first stakes winner with Mems, who won the Joe Smith Stakes. This was the first of 70 stakes wins for Catesby Clay whether alone or in partnership.
Clay was a strong advocate of international relationships, having bred and raised horses from many countries. Under his management, the farm has produced many ranked stakes winners as well as champions in Japan (Agnes Digital).
He also had three horses finish in the money in the Kentucky Derby (G1): Partez in 1981, Wild Gale in 1992 and Tejano Run in 1995.
Clay served on the Kentucky Racing Commission from 1955-1959 and was a member of the board of directors of Churchill Downs from 1953-1998. He received the Guest of Honor award from the Thoroughbred Club of America in 2009 in recognition of his life’s work in the thoroughbred industry.
That same year, he transferred control of the farm to his son, Brutus.
“He was a really difficult person to follow with the example he set, but the good news is you couldn’t have a better father, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. … He used his gifts to the best of his ability.” he could be for a greater purpose,” said young Clay. “Horses also benefited him. He loves the farm. He loved sports, he loved animals, he loved the land and I dare say that kept him, kept his mind and kept him going for another decade. I’m also very grateful for that.”
Catesby Clay also served as president and chairman of the board of directors of Kentucky River Coal and he was inducted into the Kentucky Coal Hall of Fame.
While Catesby Clay’s professional achievements and community service efforts may be well known, his son had a different side to his father’s personality.
“He would tell a joke, and it would be quite funny, but he would start laughing so loudly, he would enjoy it so much and the laughter would be contagious, so much so that everyone else would laugh because he was having fun,” he said.
Brutus and Catesby Clay at Runnymede Farm in 2016
Catesby Clay’s sense of humor, humility and patience were not limited to his family. He expressed gratitude – not only for all he had in life but also appreciation for all that others had done with them.
“What was special about him was that he had great gratitude,” Brutus Clay said. “For example, even when in life the roles were switched, when he was down and the baton was passed, I learned from him how grateful he was for the wonderful caregivers we were. How did I allow him to stay home with us?” my mother and lived another eight years on the farm.”
He leaves behind his wife, eight children and 15 grandchildren. Visitation will take place on October 3 from 4-7 p.m. at Runnymede House with a funeral mass scheduled the following day at the Church of the Annunciation in Paris, Ky., at 10 a.m.
