This week started with some sad news. Social media was on fire with reports that Helen “Penny” Chenery, owner of the great Secretariat had died Saturday, 9/16/17, following a stroke. There have been countless stories and posts on her passing. It is wonderful to have this opportunity to reminisce about all the great things Penny did for Thoroughbred racing. It is equally fascinating that the passing of Penny has created an increased focus on women in racing. I am really enjoying all of the focus pieces on unique “Queens” that are important to “The Sport of Kings”. I want to share a bit on the legacy of Lucy Gay Bassett.
Lucy Gay Bassett was born in my hometown, Lexington, KY, on August 5, 1928. She graduated college, was a talented golfer and well traveled. The last 65 years of her life she shared with her husband, James E. “Ted” Bassett III. I have had the pleasure of meeting Ted on several occasions. He is vital to the the Thoroughbred industry as well, a past President of both Keeneland Racecourse and the Breeders’ Cup. Meanwhile, Lucy was an owner of farms and Thoroughbreds, breeder, ambassador, and farm broker.
Lucy owned Lanark Farm in Woodford County, Versailles, KY. It was here that she bred and raised many fine Thoroughbreds. Five that she bred were graded stakes winners. Twelve won stakes races. She was the breeder of Adoration, the winner of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. For many years, Lucy was the top consignor of stakes winners that graduated from Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale. Lucy G. Bassett passed away in her home on 5/1/16. There are volumes that could be said about her accomplishments in life but I find it so intriguing to see her influence has taken on a new life of its own.
Mrs. Bassett still has an active and successful horse who is racing. Lucy is the breeder of Titled. This filly was foaled on 4/29/13. Her sire was the late and ever better Scat Daddy. Her dam was Lily’s Girl. The connections of Titled show the “Estate of Lucy G. Bassett” listed for her owner. I have watched Titled train at the Thoroughbred center for many years. I recently had the pleasure of watching her race at Belterra. As a 3 year-old she won her maiden there, on the turf. She still holds the record at Belterra for a turf mile. At 4 she is still winning at Belterra. Her last time out and win was on 8/26/17. I have high expectations for her next race. Titled will likely test her luck and talent, in a couple of weeks, at Mountaineer Casino and Racetrack in Chester, WV.
Additionally, Lucy did more for animals than make great Thoroughbred winners. She was an avid supporter of her local humane society. She adored all animals and she was active in offering her love and assistance to a great many. When she passed away her obituary requested memorials be sent to the Woodford County Humane Society. That request brought in a lot of necessary funding to the animals that receive care there. Her Lucy Gay Bassett Memorial Fund is featured in the Fall Edition of the Woodford Humane Society’s “Paw Prints”. Her mission ” to give our animals the tools they need to leave Woodford Humane Society happier and healthier than when they arrived” is thriving. At the time of the publication a quarter of a million dollars has already been raised. My favorite feline was adopted out to my family from the very same humane society. I encourage others to donate to Lucy’s fund or adopt a furry friend. Donations can be made directly to the Lucy Gay Bassett Memorial Fund using the drop down menu under “I want my donation to be designated towards” at this on-line site Woodford Humane Society
I’m thankful for women like Lucy for what they did and do for the Thoroughbred industry and the other successes they achieved and continue to inspire. Many Queens in this Sport of Kings are gone but their legacy’s will never be forgotten.
