Obituary: Russell Saddled a Kentucky Derby Starter

Gerry Russell, who as a trainer saddled Kaye's Commander to a third-place finish in the 1974 Kentucky Oaks (G2) and sent out So Vague to an 11th-place finish in the 1984 Kentucky Derby (G1), died Nov. 24 in Madisonville, Ky. He was 77.

So Vague punched his Derby ticket with a win in the 1983 Hollywood Prevue Stakes at Hollywood Park. Patti Cooksey guided So Vague in the Kentucky Derby.

Russell, a native of England, competed as a steeplechase jockey and trained horses. He had a lengthy career in many roles in the horse racing industry in the United States and England. He also worked as a jockey agent for R.A. "Cowboy" Jones and served as a horse racing columnist with the Hopkinsville New Era.

Russell is survived by his present wife, Linda Russell; five children from his previous marriage Rodney, Libby, Ann, Tony, and Gordon; two sisters Ruth and Verbena of England; and three grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to Russell's Life Celebration from 2-5 p.m., Dec. 1 at Tapp Funeral Home, in Henderson, Ky. A memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding at www.healingreinsky.org, Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and www.PDJF.org, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at www.thoroughbredaftercare.org, and/or Old Friends Farm at www.oldfriendsequine.org.