Longtime Auctioneer Cris Caldwell Dies at 63

Cris Caldwell, a notable auctioneer and loving father of two children, died May 15 from pancreatic cancer. He was 63.

Born Feb. 14, 1957, in Upland, Calif., to Tom and Mary Caldwell, Caldwell started his auction career at the age of 16 at Maclin Caldwell Auction Company in Chino, Calif., selling everything from furniture to horses five days a week. In 1975, he joined the Keeneland auction ranks under his father. He went on to sell hundreds of millions of dollars worth of horses during a 45-year tenure that concluded with the 2020 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale.

At home in Oregon, Caldwell was crucial to many farm and charity auctions, always giving back to the community in any way possible. 

Caldwell had a passion for ranching and the western way of life. That passion was instilled in his girls, Alden and Laurel, who continue his legacy as a fourth-generation rancher and budding veterinarian, respectively. An avid athlete and daredevil, Caldwell's life was full of notorious hunting, skiing, and road cycling stories. He is best remembered for his quick wit, booming voice, and his kind and compassionate spirit. 

Cris was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother; children Alden and Laurel; his brother, Scott; sisters Georgeanna and Karen; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In a statement released May 16, Keeneland president and CEO Bill Thomason remembered Caldwell, who carried on his father's legacy and worked for many years alongside his brother from the Keeneland auction stand.

"Cris was known for his work ethic, keen wit, and, like his father, his ability to command the sales ring, and he presided over some of the most memorable events in Keeneland sales history," Thomason said. "Within approximately three hours at the 2006 September Yearling Sale, he was the auctioneer for both Meydan City, who brought an auction-record $11.7 million, and Plavius, who sold for $9.2 million.

"At the (2007) November Breeding Stock Sale, Cris sold Playful Act for a record $10.5 million, and (in 1989) he sold Kentucky Derby (G1) winner and future Hall of Famer Winning Colors for $4.1 million. 

"Among the future stars Cris sold at the September sale were Hall of Famer Curlin , Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming , Preakness Stakes (G1) winners Exaggerator  and Cloud Computing , and Breeders' Cup winners Liam's Map  and Finest City.

"Keeneland extends its sincerest condolences to Cris' brother, Scott, also a longtime member of Keeneland's auction team; his daughters Alden and Laurel; and his entire family. He will be greatly missed."

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.