NEWS
Kentucky trainer LaRue dies at 71
Posted: Monday, January 04, 2010 1:41 PM
by Myra Lewyn
Bobby LaRue, a well-known trainer based in Kentucky, died on Sunday at Community Methodist Hospital in Henderson, Kentucky. He was 71.
LaRue had been hospitalized since suffering a stroke on December 26.
A leading trainer at Miles Park and Latonia in the early 1970s, LaRue began his career in 1964 after learning his training skills from Doug Davis Jr. He won with what was to be his final starter, El Poco Diablo, on December 20 at Turfway Park. It was his fourth win from 22 starts in 2009.
LaRue’s principal client was J. C. Ellis, grandson of longtime Ellis Park owner James C. Ellis. His training operation was set back last year after losing eight horses in a 2008 fire at Riverside Downs training and boarding facility in Henderson.
LaRue is survived by his wife, Beryl, and a son, Jeff, a starter at Finger Lakes. His nephew, Benji, is a Kentucky-based trainer.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but a memorial service is planned for January 12 at 2 p.m. at the Ellis Park kitchen.
Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
