Dr. Dan Kessler of K.C. Garrett Farm died Dec. 4 after a brief illness. He was 69.
Kessler was a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and practiced urology in Cincinnati, Ohio. Also known as "Lucky Dan," he enjoyed breeding and racing Thoroughbreds. His foundation mare, Temple Street, brought great success to K.C. Garrett Farm, producing global sensation Con Te Partiro and stakes winner and multiple graded stakes-placed Donworth, among others.
Con Te Partriro won the Sandringham Handicap during the 2017 Royal Ascot Meeting for Hat Creek Racing and trainer Wesley Ward, and later raced in Australia for SF Bloodstock and Newgate Farm. She was brought out of retirement this year after failing to get in foal and earned top scores in the Coolmore Classic Tad Kennedy Stakes (G1) and Coolmore Legacy Stakes (G1). Brought back to the United States for the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, she was purchased privately for $1.6 million for Qatar Racing.
Kessler is survived by his wife Cathy and will be missed by his many friends who shared his love for horses. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests condolences to be expressed by a donation in Kessler's memory to the American Heart Association in Cincinnati or to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm.