Harley Clemons, a well-known Central Kentucky bloodstock agent and consultant, died Nov. 30 at the age of 82.
A nephew of late Hall of Fame trainer Woody Stephens, Clemons was predeceased by his parents Harley W. and Lillie Stephens Clemons and is survived by his wife, Pamela Spies Clemons, daughter Andrea Clemons, stepchildren Chris Howard, Ashley (Andy) Petry, Peter (Kristi) Howard, and six grandchildren. A great love throughout his life were his six Yorkies.
Born June 6, 1940, Clemons graduated from Layette High School where he was known as a great baseball player. He attended the University of Kentucky where he developed a passion for UK sports and Thoroughbred racing. He attended his first UK basketball game in 1952 and would often joke that the reason Pam married him was for his basketball tickets.
Clemons family business was OK Garage in Lexington but his future was with Kentucky's signature industry.
It was through Stephens, who mentored him from the age of 12, that Clemons developed his knowledge and acumen in Thoroughbred business. He was a Thoroughbred consultant and active at the racetrack and in sales, consulting on the purchase and racing careers of many great horses, including Hickory Tree Farm's 1983 champion 2-year-old Devils Bag and sire of sires Gone West, a son of Mr. Prospector he bought as agent for $1.9-million at the 1985 Keeneland July yearling sale. Both were trained by Stephens. During a 19-year tenure with Sheikh Maktoum's Gainsborough Farm, Clemons guided the careers of many stakes winners.
Clemons was a member of the Keeneland Club and Thoroughbred Club of America. He was also a Kentucky Colonel and a UK Fellow.
Two phrases that motivated Clemons throughout his life were: “You are doing something important if you can help a child” and “Keep the main thing the main thing (God).”
A Celebration of Life service for Clemons will be 2 p.m. (ET) Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Kerr Brothers at 3421 Harrodsburg Rd. in Lexington with Pastor Todd Nelson officiating. Visitation will be 12 p.m. till the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to children's organizations, Shriners Children Hospital and Hospice of the Bluegrass (Bluegrass Care Navigators).
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