Margaret Layton, longtime communications director of Robert and Blythe Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Kentucky, will be leaving after the 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

“I’m going to see what opportunities come my way,” Layton said. “I’m very, very proud of what’s been accomplished at Three Chimneys during the 17 years I’ve been privileged to be part of that team, but I’m ready to see what I can do on my own.”

Layton joined Three Chimneys in 1990 and has been responsible for Three Chimneys’ print, television, electronic and outdoor advertising, press relations, brand development, website, direct mail marketing, annual stallion brochure, and weekly stallion success report, the “Winners’ Circle Report.”

“Margaret’s decision was totally unexpected and she will not only be missed, but extremely difficult to replace,” Robert Clay said. “We hope to use Margaret on a consulting basis in the future.”

Three Chimneys President Case Clay said the farm hopes to name a new communications director in March.