Bob Holthus dies at 77

Bob Holthus, a prominent fixture among the Midwest training fraternity for

nearly six decades, died Tuesday at his home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 77.

Holthus was on his way to work at Churchill Downs when he suffered a fatal

heart attack. Efforts by paramedics to save his life were unsuccessful.

"This is a very sad day for all members of the Churchill Downs and Kentucky

Derby families as we have lost a revered figure and a true friend in Robert

Holthus," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs. "His talents as a

horseman are easily appreciated by a look at wins and earnings that serve as the

bottom line for a remarkable career, but Bob was also a true gentleman to

everyone who crossed his path. He has meant so much to fellow horsemen, fans who

have watched his horses compete here for more than a half-century and to members

of our Churchill Downs team. Our hearts and prayers are with the Holthus family

and Bob's many friends during this time of great loss."

Holthus saddled the winners of 2,824 races, which ranks 28th on the sport's

all-time win list, and compiled earnings of $46,085,877. He had 146 stakes wins,

with 27 of those in graded stakes events.

A native of Table Rock, Nebraska, Holthus was the son of a trainer and is the

all-time win leader at Oaklawn Park, his winter base for more than 50 years.

Holthus earned nine training titles at the Arkansas track and his Oaklawn

exploits earned Holthus enshrinement in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. He

also won training titles at Arlington Park, Hawthorne, Louisiana Downs, Detroit

Race Course, Ellis Park and Turfway Park.

Among the more prominent Holthus-trained runners over the past

quarter-century were Proper Reality, whose top-level wins included the Arkansas

Derby, Metropolitan Handicap and Philip H. Iselin Handicap; Lawyer Ron, who also

won the Arkansas Derby for Holthus and was later a champion for trainer Todd

Pletcher; and Pure Clan, whose Grade 1 victories included the American Oaks and

Flower Bowl Invitational.

Holthus is survived by his wife, Bonnie; sons Paul and David; and a daughter,

Debbie.

A memorial service for Holthus has been scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

(EST) at Christ Chapel on the Churchill Downs backside. An additional memorial

service will be scheduled later in Hot Springs, Arkansas.