Interview with Robert N. Clay, September 3, 2008

Interview Summary

In this second interview, Clay describes building Three Chimneys Farm from its initial 100 acres to roughly 2,000 acres owned or leased by the farm in 2008. He describes working with farm manager Dan Rosenberg to develop the farm and establish the stallion division beginning with Chief's Crown and Slew o' Gold. He explains the acquisition of Seattle Slew and its impact on the success of the farm. Other high profile stallions discussed include Smarty Jones and Big Brown. Clay reflects on the challenges the farm has faced from 1980 to the present and the core values that guide the business. He also discusses his leadership activities within the industry, including the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Clay discusses the challenges facing the industry in 2008 and reflects on the issues raised by the death of Eight Belles.

Interview Keyword

Big Brown (Race horse) Saratoga Racing Seattle Slew (Race horse) Slew of Gold (Race horse) Smarty Jones (Race horse) Three Chimneys Farm

Interview LC Subject

Clay, Robert N., 1946- --Interviews Clay, Robert N., 1946- Horse owners--Interviews National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Saratoga Racecourse (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) Thoroughbred horse Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Three Chimneys Farm (Ky.)

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections and Digital Programs, University of Kentucky Libraries.