Renowned Industry Leader Alice Chandler Dies at 95

Famed Kentucky horsewoman and owner of Mill Ridge Farm, Alice Headley Chandler passed away peacefully April 6 at her home in Lexington, 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. She was named the Honor Guest of the Thoroughbred Club of America annual dinner in 2005.

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, who was a co-founder of Keeneland and its first president. Chandler grew up at the track.

"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," said Shannon Arvin, Keeneland's president and CEO. "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.

"Throughout her life, Mrs. Chandler played a pivotal role in Keeneland's history," Arvin continued. "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 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."

Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, recognized Chandler for her commitment to the industry and the welfare of the horse.

"Alice Chandler devoted nearly a century to the horse and epitomized all that has come to represent a National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Pillar of the Turf inductee in 2020 and an Eclipse Award of Merit honoree in 2009. She served on numerous boards and foundations dedicated to the betterment of Thoroughbred breeding and racing. And she leaves behind a distinguished family that guarantees that her legacy and influence on the sport will continue for generations to come," Waldrop said.

Breeders' Cup also issued a statement honoring Chandler's legacy.

"Alice Chandler was one of the most remarkable people ever to work in the Thoroughbred industry," the statement read. "We cherished her outstanding achievements as an owner and breeder, and her service to a wide range of racing organizations over many decades, as well as her engaging personality and dynamic spirit. She established Mill Ridge Farm in the 1960s and made it one of the most influential farms in our sport, significantly with the breeding and sale of Sir Ivor, who helped spearhead the opening of the American market to overseas buyers.

"Mill Ridge also produced such prominent runners as Horse of the Year Point Given, Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo , and five Breeders' Cup winners in Artie Schiller , Sweet Catomine , Round Pond, Spain, and Johar. Mrs. Chandler also served in many leadership roles in our industry. … Her lasting legacy and commitment to always putting the horse first live on as shining examples for our industry. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones."

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.