Thomas Haley Asbury, Kentucky farm owner and breeder, dies

Thomas Haley Asbury, owner of Hedgewood Farm in Lexington, Ky. died Sept. 29 at age 86.

A Lexington native, Asbury was brought into the horse business at age 15 through his local 4-H program, and he eventually became a partner in Hedgewood Farm with his father, Charles Augustine Asbury. His son, Carson Asbury, later became a partner in the farm, making it a third-generation operation.

The most successful horses bred or co-bred by the members of Hedgewood Farm under Thomas Haley Asbury’s watch include Grade 2 winners Stone Manor and Boundlessly and Grade 3 winner Star Recruit, who was the first foal out of 1998 Broodmare of the Year In Neon.

According to the Blood-Horse, Asbury bought a share of In Neon during her racing career and bred her several times, selling her in foal on a mating to Storm Cat that eventually produced Grade 1 winner Sharp Cat. In Neon’s next foal was Grade 1 winner Royal Anthem.

Asbury was also an accomplished tennis player, most notably being a five-time winner of the Lexington City Men’s Singles Tennis Tournament. He was a four-year member of the University of Kentucky’s tennis team and resides in the school’s Tennis Hall of Fame.

Asbury is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ann Carson Asbury, children Sarah, Carson, and Judith, and four grandchildren.

Services were held on Oct. 3 at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation: P.O. Box 834, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; or to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement: 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324.