Famed Kentucky horsewoman and owner of Mill Ridge Farm, Alice Headley Chandler passed away peacefully at her home in Lexington, Ky. on April 6, at the age of 95. She was the first of three children born to Hal Price Headley and Genevieve Molloy Headley.
Chandler founded Mill Ridge Farm in 1962, and built it into one of Kentucky's major breeding farms. She became one of the most respected figures of her time in the sport of racing.
With many leadership roles in numerous equine organizations, Chandler served as chairperson of the University of Kentucky Equine Research Committee and president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. She also served as director of the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.
In 2009, Chandler received the Eclipse Award of Merit, and in 2006 was recognized by the Kentucky State Senate for her service and contributions to the racing and breeding industry. Most recently, Chandler was inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame in the category of Pillars of the Turf for 2020, which recognizes people “who have made extraordinary contributions to Thoroughbred racing in a leadership or pioneering capacity at the highest national level” and includes her father, Hal Price Headley.
When Chandler stepped down from her leadership position at Mill Ridge Farm in 2008, she said, “I have lived a blessed life, doing just what I want to do: associate with the finest horses, clients, friends, and an industry that I love.”
Chandler is survived by her husband of 49 years, Dr. John Chandler; her children Patricia, Mike, Reynolds and Headley; eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Following is a statement from Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin on Chandler's passing:
“Keeneland mourns the passing of Alice Headley Chandler, Racing Hall of Famer and owner of nearby Mill Ridge Farm who served as a guiding light that helped shape the success of Keeneland. Mrs. Chandler was an exceptional horsewoman who devoted her talents to caring for her beloved Mill Ridge, its horses and clientele, and her dear friends and family. Respected by horsemen internationally, she was a tireless ambassador for the Thoroughbred industry and applied her leadership skills to make extraordinary contributions for the betterment of the sport.
“Mrs. Chandler's life is inextricably linked to Keeneland. Her father, fellow Racing Hall of Famer Hal Price Headley, was Keeneland's co-founder and first president, and she grew up at the track. Following his death in 1962, Mrs. Chandler established Mill Ridge, which she developed into a leading breeding and sales operation grounded by her father's philosophy of making the horse the priority.
“Throughout her life, Mrs. Chandler played a pivotal role in Keeneland's history. She bred 1968 Epsom Derby winner Sir Ivor, whom Mill Ridge sold at the 1966 Keeneland July Selected Yearling Sale for $42,000 to Raymond Guest. The colt's achievements boosted Keeneland's reputation as an international auction house. While operating Mill Ridge, Mrs. Chandler held numerous industry leadership positions and continued her father's service to Keeneland. She was a member of the track's Board of Directors for 23 years. In 2012, Mill Ridge's racing colors appeared on the Keeneland Club button, an honor that recognizes prominent members of the industry.
“Mrs. Chandler was among the 2020 inductees in the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame as a selection in the category of Pillars of the Turf, which recognizes people 'who have made extraordinary contributions to Thoroughbred racing in a leadership or pioneering capacity at the highest national level.'
“Mrs. Chandler also was named the 2005 Honor Guest for the Thoroughbred Club of America's annual Testimonial Dinner.
“Mrs. Chandler was a pioneer in our industry in many ways, and her lifelong motto of 'Take care of the horse, and it will take care of you' represents an important part of her legacy both at Mill Ridge Farm and at Keeneland. Keeneland extends its deepest condolences to Alice's husband, Dr. John Chandler; sons Headley Bell, Mike Bell and Reynolds Bell, and daughter, Patricia “Tish” Bell, and her entire family.”
The post Alice Headley Chandler, Owner Of Mill Ridge Farm, Dies At Age 95 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
