David Greathouse, prominent breeder and consignor, dies at 63

David Greathouse, a longtime breeder and consignor in central Kentucky and an integral member of both his family’s Glencrest Farm and the Four Star Sales operation, died on Tuesday following a battle with cancer. He was 63.

Greathouse, along with his brothers John, Allen, and Edward, operated Glencrest Farm in Midway, Ky., which was established by their father John W. Greathouse in 1950. The farm grew into a major force in the breeding and sales sectors, selling 1960 Kentucky Derby winner Venetian Way and 1996 Kentucky Oaks winner Pike Place Dancer. In recent years, Glencrest campaigned Grade 1 winners Honey Ryder, Zoftig, dam of Grade 1 winners Zaftig and Zo Impressive, and Devil May Care, among others, and co-bred multiple Grade 2 winner and Ashford Stud sire Munnings. Glencrest also developed and stood stallions such as Clever Trick and Wavering Monarch.

Greathouse was also a partner in prominent consignor Four Star Sales along with John T.L. Jones, Jr., Dan Kenny, and Kerry Cauthen. Four Star Sales handled much of the consigning duties for Glencrest in recent years. Notable Four Star Sales graduates include champion Uncle Mo, Breeders’ Cup winner Mizdirection, and Grade 1 winners Hystericalady, Dream Rush, and Currency Swap.

Greathouse was a member of the Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Club of America, and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders/Kentucky Thoroughbred Association.

Greathouse is survived by his wife, Buffy; his mother, Mary; son Deuce and daughter Emma; one granddaughter; and three brothers and two sisters.

Visitation is on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 4-8 p.m. Eastern at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, Ky. Private funeral services are on Friday, Oct. 11.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dept. of Radiology, 1275 York Ave., Room C-278, New York, NY 10065.