During his early time at Center University in Danville, Kentucky, Catesby Clay often visited Keeneland with friends and classmates to enjoy weekend horse races and introduce newcomers to Kentucky’s Thoroughbred community. However, as his fascination with the business side of horse racing deepened, his weekend activities became more focused and less about fun for his companions, as Clay prefers challenging endeavors over leisure.
“A 4 a.m. wake-up isn’t appealing to many,” Clay said. He is part of the Clay family, which has been connected to Thoroughbred racing for five generations at the historic Paris Runnymede Farm in central Kentucky. “My favorite quote is that you are lucky if you can call what you love your job,” he shared about his dedication to the Thoroughbred industry. “This is what I want to pursue and be part of.”
Clay, a senior history major at the university located about 55 miles from Lexington, the heart of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred scene, is the son of Runnymede Chairman and CEO Brutus Clay III and his wife Sarah. His grandfather, Colonel Ezekiel Clay, a notable Kentucky jockey and founder of Runnymede in 1867, passed away in 2024 at 101, after leading the state’s oldest Thoroughbred ranch for over six decades.
Runnymede has bred and raised Thoroughbreds for three centuries, producing legends like the 1896 Kentucky Derby winner Ben Brush and Hanover, who won the 1887 Belmont Stakes and sired 17 consecutive winners. Ezekiel Clay also bred Miss Woodford, the first American horse to earn $100,000. More recently, Runnymede-bred horses have excelled globally, with champions like Agnes Digital in Japan and American Grade 1 winners Awesome Gem, Divine Park, and Jacyto, along with European stars Palace Episode and Laughing Rush.
An internship last fall working with Thoroughbred buyers and sellers further ignited Clay’s passion for the industry. “I had full days on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the internship, which was really enjoyable,” he said. “Being at the Center allowed me to focus on my passion while completing my studies and gaining early professional experience.”
Clay explained the internship gave him insight from a buyer’s perspective. “It felt like piecing together a puzzle,” he said. “From sneaking into horse stalls as a kid to now appreciating the hard work involved in preparing a horse for sale, it’s fascinating to connect all those experiences while walking the sales floor.”
During the internship, Clay not only observed breeders and livestock agencies but also raised funds to invest in young horses for the upcoming fall yearling sale, aiming for a profit. This practice, known as pinhooking, is similar to investing in startups or flipping houses; though risky, pinhookers use pedigree knowledge and physical traits to spot promising horses.
“I’ve always dreamed about raising money to buy a horse, and this internship made that dream real,” Clay said. However, the journey wasn’t easy. “I was told ‘no’ more times than I can count, and many people laughed at me,” he admitted. Still, Clay leveraged his Thoroughbred expertise and research on successful bloodlines to convince some skeptics and secure investments. One hesitant investor eventually doubled his initial contribution after attending an auction with Clay.
“He recognized my passion and focus on making smart investments,” Clay noted. “It’s a high-risk venture but comparatively the safest investment in horse racing.” He likened it to other financial risks, adding with a smile, “I pitched it as a more fun way to invest money than the stock market.”
Though enjoyable, investing requires thorough research similar to identifying growth stocks. Clay calculated all costs—from feed to veterinary care—and determined the funds needed to ensure a solid return for investors next fall. His business courses at university came in handy when managing tight budgets.
After graduation, Clay plans to return to Ireland, where he spent last summer at the world-renowned Coolmore Stud, to deepen his knowledge of European bloodlines, which he hopes to apply in the future. For now, he is closely monitoring his investment, caring for the horse at Runnymede, updating investors, and hoping for a successful sale next autumn. “She has made excellent progress recently,” he shared. “It’s great to share photos and watch her grow.”
Fan Take: This story highlights the dedication and deep-rooted legacy that fuels the Thoroughbred industry, showing how passion combined with education can drive the next generation of horse racing professionals. Fans should watch Catesby Clay’s journey, as his blend of tradition and innovation promises exciting contributions to the sport’s future.
