NEWS
Breeder, veterinarian Philip McCarthy dead at 58
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009 5:14 PM
Philip McCarthy, V.M.D., died on November 29 at his home in Lexington at age 58.
During the last 16 years, McCarthy focused on reproductive consultation for leading stallion farms around the world while developing Watercress Farm in Paris, Kentucky, with longtime friend Fred Hertrich.
“Phil possessed a rare set of talents in the horse industry,” Hertrich said. “He was a true horseman first and foremost. He knew conformation and pedigree better than most, and he happened to be a world-class veterinarian on top of all those other things.”
McCarthy and Hertrich bred or co-bred European champion two-year-old male Shamardal and graded stakes winners Street Boss, Even the Score, Sir Greeley, Half Ours, La Chunga, Snow Dance, and Got the Last Laugh. With a focus on the commercial market, McCarthy and Hertrich bred horses under various monikers including Brilliant Stable and Aspiration Stable.
Born in Kingston, Ontario, on January 4, 1951, McCarthy graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario, in 1977. In 1978, he did his residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, where he specialized in large animal reproductive studies.
In 1979, McCarthy went to work for Walnut Hall Farms, where he was resident veterinarian and subsequently farm manager.
“Phil McCarthy was a pioneer in many different areas of the horse business; from fetal sexing of mares to diagnosing and treating stallion infertility,” said James T. Robertson, D.V.M., a renowned equine surgeon. “Phil was always on the cutting edge.”
Visitation is scheduled for December 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST at Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington. Funeral Mass will be Monday, December 7, at 10 a.m. at Cathedral of Christ the King with a reception following.
Milward’s of Lexington will handle funeral arrangements. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Markey Cancer Foundation for Melanoma Research, Cathedral of Christ the King, Sayre School, and Hospice of the Bluegrass.
