Edward S. “Ned” Bonnie, an accomplished horseman, attorney and equine advocate, passed away Saturday night in Louisville at the age of 88, according to family members.
“He lived a full and happy life and will be missed,” read a Sunday Facebook post from his son, Shelby Bonnie.
Bonnie was a graduate of the Yale University law school and ultimately went on to establish the present-day Frost, Brown, Todd LLC law firm with a focus on equine law. Most notably, Bonnie served as attorney for Peter Fuller in a landmark case fighting the disqualification of Dancer's Image from his 1968 Kentucky Derby victory following a medication positive. He was also instrumental in creating the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, which opened the door for out-of-state wagering on the Kentucky Derby and other prominent races.
Bonnie served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and later became an instructor in equine law at the University of Arizona, University of Louisville and Racing Officials Accreditation Program. His involvement with education earned him the Keene Daingerfield Award from Louisville's Equine Industry Program, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award for the Advancement of Equestrian Sports from the United States Equestrian Federation.
He was a member of The Jockey Club and also worked with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council and University of Kentucky Equine Research Foundation, in addition to advising the NTRA on medication policies.
“He was the pinnacle of ethics and trust for our industry,” said Earle Mack. “His tireless work for all equine causes will not be forgotten.”
As a horseman, Bonnie and his wife Cornelia “Nina” Bonnie owned a farm in Kentucky and trained hunter/jumpers and steeplechase horses. Funeral services are pending.
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