A longtime Thoroughbred owner, breeder, and member of The Jockey Club, Alex Campbell, Jr. passed away on Aug. 15 at the age of 95, according to a social media post from his valued assistant Mary Venezie.
Among Campbell's greatest equine successes was the Grade 1 winner Karlovy Vary, winner of the Ashland in 2012. Two of that mare's offspring, Mean Mary and Bye Bye Melvin, have gone on to graded stakes success as well. The former is named for Venezie, a joke which does not reflect the assistant's true personality, Campbell told Paulick Report in 2021.
“She's the complete opposite of that, one of the sweetest, nicest, best people I know,” Campbell said. “She got a big kick out of it and she's enjoyed every minute of it.”
Mean Mary won five graded stakes and was twice second in Grade 1 events, earning $1,086,270 to be Campbell's most successful racehorse since 2000, according to Equibase. Other Grade 1 winners bred and raced by Campbell include Queens Court Queen (1995 Santa Maria Handicap) and Mr Purple (1996 Santa Anita Handicap).
A native of Lexington, Ky., Campbell was also quietly one of the city's greatest philanthropists. He launched the Triangle Foundation in 1980, and chaired the creation of Triangle Park in downtown Lexington. Over the years, the Triangle Foundation has completed a number of other projects in the city, including the Equestrian Park at Blue Grass Airport, Thoroughbred Park, and Woodland Skateboard Park.
Perhaps Campbell's most visible addition to Lexington is the statue of Secretariat located in the center of a traffic circle at the intersection of Alexandria Drive and Old Frankfort Pike. Washington sculptor Jocelyn Russell made the Secretariat statue in Oklahoma, and it was transported to Lexington. The 3,800-pound Secretariat, 21 feet long and over 11 feet high, was installed Oct. 14, 2019.
“I have a funny saying, and fortunately all of my children have adopted it, that 'giving is the most selfish thing we do,'” Campbell said in 2021. “The reason for that is that the receiver always gets more than the giver. In proportion it means very little to you, when they come to thank you you get your investment back. My son has the job of putting my little saying on my tombstone. It's true, just think what you've done for somebody and how happy it makes you.”
A wonderful man has passed away. He loved his horses, going to the track, handicapping and placing some crazy bets. He won a lot of those crazy bets too. He respected those who trained and cared for his horses and was always optimistic and just knew they would win the next race
— Mary B Venezie (@mbvenezie) August 16, 2023
or the next race. If you asked him how he was he would say better now that I hear your sweet voice. He was a gentleman. Rest in peace now dear Mr. Campbell and thank you.
Alex G Campbell Jr 2/19/1928 – 8/15/2023 pic.twitter.com/NKGBWYJZ39
— Mary B Venezie (@mbvenezie) August 16, 2023
The post Owner, Breeder, Philanthropist: Alex Campbell, Jr. Passes At Age 95 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
