Bloodstock agent Mike Recio dead at 46

Bloodstock agent and consignor Mike Recio died Sept. 16 following a long battle with sepsis, which had caused him to be hospitalized in late July. He was 46.

Recio, the son of respected Ocala, Fla., horseman Bill Recio, was a graduate of the University of Louisville's horse racing industry program. He began working in client services for Taylor Made Farm, Adena Springs, Mill Ridge, and Hidden Brook.

Recio founded South Point Sales with Arika Everatt-Meeuse in 2014, and the operation has become a prominent consignor at yearling and breeding stock sales in Kentucky and New York. At the same time, Recio also launched Rockbridge Bloodstock, a full-service bloodstock agency that assisted with matings, racing and broodmare purchases, and stallion placement.

“Although Recio was a tremendous businessman in his own right, he will be remembered for his outgoing personality, the connections he made within the industry, and the people he brought together,” the horseman’s obituary read. “Never one to turn down a drink at the Keeneland bar or a dinner at Jeff Ruby's, Recio had an astounding number of friends within the industry. The La Croix-filled South Point water cooler became the best spot on the sales ground for gossip, which he was more than happy to supply. He never knew a stranger, and spoke with an ease that truly was a gift.”

Recio is survived by his wife Nancy; twin children Wesley and Addison; mother Lynn and father Bill; brother Gene and sister Katie Cauthen; brother-in-law Doug Cauthen; and niece Campbell Cauthen.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.