Owner-breeder Sarah Ramsey dies at 83

Sarah Kathern Ramsey, who, along with her husband, Ken, became one of the leading owners and breeders in North America, died May 29 at her home on Ramsey Farm in Nicholasville, Ky., with her family by her side. She was 83.

Ken and Sarah Ramsey both grew up in Artemus, Ky., outside of Barbourville, and purchased their farm, outside of Lexington, in 1994. The first horse to race in Sarah Ramsey's name was Kitten's First, a Lear Fan filly who was purchased as a 2-year-old, and whose name was derived from Ken's pet name for his wife. That "Kitten" moniker would go on to become one of the most recognizable in American racing today.

Kitten's First won one of her two career starts before becoming a foundation mare for the Ramsey operation. The most significant of her foals was 2004 Eclipse Award champion turf male Kitten's Joy, who has gone on to become one of North America's perennial leading turf sires, and a two-time leading general sire. After standing the first decade-plus of his career at Ramsey Farm, Kitten's Joy moved to Hill 'n' Dale Farm, which purchased a significant interest in him, beginning in 2018.

Kitten's First is also the dam of multiple Grade 1 winner Precious Kitten. Overall, Kitten's First, her daughters, and her granddaughters are responsible for 14 stakes winners to date, including champion Dreaming of Anna.

Kitten's Joy, that leading sire produced by Sarah Ramsey's first horse, has sired several of the Ramseys' other prominent horses, the most successful among them including champion Big Blue Kitten and two-time Breeders' Cup winner Stephanie's Kitten, both multimillionaires. Overall, the Ramseys have raced more than 100 graded stakes winners, and the couple has been honored with four Eclipse Awards as outstanding owner and two as outstanding breeder.

Sarah Ramsey had a severe stroke in 2007, resulting in her use of a wheelchair for the last several years of her life. The late Marylou Whitney, who had also suffered a stroke, offered medical advice and support to the Ramseys. As a result, they named one of their fillies Thank You Marylou.

The Ramseys have four children, Kelly, Jeff, Jill, and Scott.

A visitation for Sarah Ramsey, whose death was first reported by The Blood-Horse, will be held at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home in Lexington the evening of Thursday, June 2. There will be a visitation at Knox Funeral Home, closer to the Ramseys' hometown in Barbourville, Ky, the evening of Friday, June 3. There will be a visitation at the East Barbourville Baptist Church June 4 from noon until the funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial will be across the street from the church at Barbourville Cemetery.