Respected Kentucky equestrian Bobby Miller, former vice president of Ro Parra’s Millenium Farms, passed away on December 29 at the age of 82. Miller died after a long battle with cancer at his home. on the grounds of Millenium Farm in Lexington.
A third-generation rider following his father and grandfather who both worked with the Saddlebreds, Miller ventured into the Thoroughbred industry when Walmac founder Johnny Jones invited Miller to be a manager at the site. his Lexington camp. Prior to that, Miller spent 12 years with the Avondale Standard Breeding Organization.
After 18 years at Walmac Farm, Miller joined forces with Parra at Millenium Ranch, where he remained until his death.
“Bobby is one of the most respected horsemen in our industry,” Parra told BloodHorse in 2016 when Miller was promoted from farm manager to vice president. “He’s the architect of the solid foundation of horse and herd management that our customers expect and appreciate. He’s such an integral part of our operation that I can’t imagine not being able to rely on Bobby for advice, advice, and direction.”
Miller’s son Mark credits his father’s quiet but powerful influence as arguably his greatest legacy in more than 45 years in the industry.
“There are many people in the industry who depend on him and seek his advice and guidance,” says Miller. “A lot of very important people trusted him a lot.
“He’s just a real horseman, tough and smart. He also has an encyclopedic knowledge of horse breeds and horses. It’s a bit intimidating sometimes.”
Miller commented that an achievement his father was particularly proud of was the fact that he had won the most awards on the 1st Grade Student Council on behalf of Millenium Farms. Kingmambo’s son went on to win 8 of 31 starts and amassed over $1.5 million in earnings under the colors of Millenium Farms. He’s caught races like the 2007 Pacific Classic (G1) through the Hall of Famer Lava Man and the 2008 Maryland Pimlico Lottery Special Handicap (G1).
“(My father) made friends everywhere he went. People were just attracted to him,” Miller said. “He’s pretty quiet and quiet, but what he says you can trust and he really means it. He won’t give an opinion unless someone asks him.”
A visit to Miller has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 4 at Kerr Brothers, 463 E. Main St., Lexington, Ky. 40507 from 5-8 p.m. Miller’s funeral will be held the next day at 11 a.m. The family requested that donations be sent to Bluegrass hospice.
