Thomas Harbut

HARBUT Thomas P., 94, of Maddoxtown in Lexington, Kentucky, passed away at his home on Monday, September 15, 2014. He is survived by one brother, James Harbut of Chicago; three children, Tyrone Harbut, Gregory Harbut (Monica) and Saundra Patton (Gary), all of Lexington, Kentucky; as well as nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many extended family members and friends. He was a faithful member of Maddoxtown Baptist Church. Tom Harbut was born to Will and Mary Harbut of Maddoxtown on April 5, 1920, one of 12 children. His father was the famous groom to the racehorse Man O' War, and at a young age, Tom followed his father into the horse business, working initially at local thoroughbred farms and later at Belmont Park. During his early years, he exercised such horses as War Admiral, winner of the 1937 Triple Crown, and War Relic, both celebrated sons of Man O' War. Tom served four years in the United States Army during World War II, including combat duty in the Philippines. For thirty years he worked at Spendthrift Farm, then the top thoroughbred breeding operation in the United States. Eventually he became the stallion manager for the farm, handling horses for celebrities such as Elizabeth Arden and Louis B. Mayer, as well as managing Harry Guggenheim's barn. He was a highly accomplished and successful horseman, handling equine legends such as Dark Star, Jet Pilot and Majestic Prince. He also bred and trained several of his own horses, including Touch Bar, a competitor in the 1962 Kentucky Derby. In recent years, Tom cooperated in the filming of a documentary about the African American freetowns of the Bluegrass. He is remembered as his family's loving patriarch, and for his accomplishments as a horseman, his wide-ranging friendships, his intelligent and creative spirit, and his infectious laugh. Services will be held on Saturday, September 20, at Maddoxtown Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11am - 1pm with the funeral following. Burial will be in the church's cemetery.