Lexington, Kentucky native Alex G. Campbell Jr., who campaigned the likes of GSWs winner Karlovy Vary, Mean Mary and Bye Bye Melvin, died in Delray, Florida, Tuesday. He was 95.
In addition to Karlovy Vary, who annexed Keeneland's GI Ashland S. in 2012, Campbell previously campaigned Turk O Witz, winner of the 1995 Santa Maria H. in addition to 1996 Big 'Cap scorer Mr Purple. Also running in his colors, dual graded stakes winner Ultra Brat, and Grade III victor It's Tea Time.
A member of The Jockey Club for 34 years, the longtime horse owner invested in First Security Bank in Lexington, which later sold to Bank One and subsequently to JPMorgan Chase. He was also among the early investors in what later became Humana Hospitals.
The philanthropic Campbell also supported the growth and development of downtown Lexington in the form of Triangle Park and Thoroughbred Park.
“I wish I had met him 30 years ago,” said Graham Motion, who trained Mean Mary and Bye Bye Melvin for Campbell. “He had a big influence on my career personally and professionally in a short space of time. It's part of a generation that we are going to miss in horse racing.”
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