Claiborne fixture Sosby dies

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Retired Claiborne Farm manager John Sosby, who was employed by the nursery for more than 50 years, died Aug. 6 at age 73, the Lexington Herald-Leader has reported.

Sosby had lived at Claiborne, where his father also worked, since age 3, and started work there cutting weeds at age 9. During his long employment at the historic farm, he served as Claiborne’s yearling manager, general manager, and yearling supervisor before retiring in 2003. His time at the Paris, Ky., stud farm put him in close contact with some of the farm’s most famous residents, including Swale, Ruffian, Ferdinand, Round Table, and Secretariat, among many others.

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club named Sosby Farm Manager of the Year in 1984, and he also received the 1991 Ambassador of Racing Award from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Media.

Sosby is survived by his wife, Janice, sons John “Tony” Sosby and Timmy Sosby, daughters Kim Jones and Kristie Shelley, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was planned for Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Bourbon County High School. Visitation was to be from 4 to 9 p.m. at the school. Burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Paris.