Mack Miller, Breeder

With the passing of MacKenzie L. “Mack” Miller, racing lost one of its finest gentlemen as well as a great trainer and horseman. A member of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame since 1987, Miller trained 72 stakes winners during his career including champions Leallah (1956 co-champion juvenile filly), Assagai (1966 champion turf horse), Hawaii (1969 champion turf horse), and Snow Knight (1976 champion turf male), as well as 1993 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) victor Sea Hero, four-time grade I winner Java Gold, and the fine racehorses and important sires Halo, Tentam, and Mr. Leader.

What is somewhat less well known is Miller’s “other” career as a breeder. In partnership with his wife, Martha, and their close friends, Dr. and Mrs. R. Smiser West, Miller enjoyed great success from a relatively small broodmare band until the dispersal of their stock at the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale and the 2007 Keeneland November mixed sale following Dr. West’s death.