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Midwest-based trainer Holthus dies in Louisville

Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 11:24 AM

ROBERT HOLTHUS

ROBERT HOLTHUS

Coady Photography

Trainer Bob Holthus, best known for training Thoroughbreds in Kentucky and Arkansas and in the midst of his 58th year as a conditioner, died on Tuesday morning at age 77 in Louisville.

Holthus saddled Kentucky Derby (G1) starters for three straight years earlier this decade, sending out Pro Prado in 2004, Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) winner Greater Good in 2005, and Arkansas Derby (G2) winner Lawyer Ron in 2006. He recorded his best Derby finish in 1988 when Proper Reality finished fourth.

Winner of the 1988 Arkansas Derby (G1), Proper Reality would go on to win the 1989 Metropolitan Handicap (G1) for Holthus and owners Jim and Juanita Winn. The first Derby starter for Holthus was Our Trade Winds in 1972, meaning his final Derby starter came 34 years after his first.

Holthus was one of the trainers profiled in the 2007 documentary The First Saturday in May, which focused on the 2006 Derby. Holthus’ calming influence is portrayed in the movie as well as his relationship with young jockey John McKee, who rode each of Holthus’ Derby starters from 2004-2006.

Holthus won training titles at Arlington Park, Detroit Race Course, Ellis Park, Hawthorne Race Course, Louisiana Downs, and Turfway Park, but most of his success came at Oaklawn Park, where he won nine training titles.

Born June 24, 1934 in Table Rock, Nebraska, Holthus learned racing from his father, Paul. He got his start with claiming horses working with trainer Bryan Wise before training his own string beginning in 1952 at Columbus Races. A longtime supporter of Race Track Chaplaincy of America, Holthus was honored as the Person of the Year by the Arkansas Division in 2010. In 2000, he was inducted into the Arkansas Walk of Fame in Hot Springs National Park.

Since 1976, Holthus had won 27 graded stakes and 146 stakes races and his stable had earned $41,907,671 in purses. He saddled Pure Clan to victories in the 2009 Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (G1) and the 2008 American Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1).

 

A memorial service for Holthus will be held at 10:30 a.m. EST on Saturday at Christ Chapel in the Churchill Downs stable area. 

 

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Posted by: anita, marion, NY on November 22, 2011 at 07:14 PM

GOD PICKS THE FLOWERS AND LEAVES THE WEEDS.

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Posted by: Mickey and Mary, louisville, KY on November 22, 2011 at 04:12 PM

It was an honor to know and work with Mr. Holthus. Our prayers go out to Bonnie and the family.

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