"Derby Doc" Alex Harthill Dies At 80

(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) -- Equine veterinarian Alexander Harthill, who was a part of Kentucky horse racing for decades and known to colleagues as the "Derby Doc," died Saturday. He was 80.

Harthill earned his nickname because he treated Kentucky Derby horses, including a number of winners.

Harthill died at Hospice and Palliative Care in Louisville, according to the funeral home handling arrangements.

"He was kind of a larger than life feature. He's been a prominent part of the business for many, many years," said John Asher, a spokesman for Churchill Downs.

Gary Priest, a longtime friend of Harthill's and partner in their Versailles equine clinic, said Harthill only wanted to be a vet.

"He didn't have any hobbies at all. That's all he ever wanted to do -- be with the horses. His father was a veterinarian. That was his entire life," Priest said.

Priest noted that among the Derby winners Harthill cared for were Lil E. Tee, Grindstone, Sunday Silence and Spectacular Bid.

Harthill also was the veterinarian for Dancer's Image, a 1968 Derby winner that was later disqualified for testing positive for the then-illegal anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone (Butazolidin).

Priest said Harthill was one of the foremost equine vets in the world.

"He took me under his wing and taught me everything he knew. He was a great teacher and was very innovative," Priest said. "He befriended me and tried to teach me everything he knew. I was fortunate to work as closely with him for all those years," Priest said.

Harthill was among those who founded the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, according to the Web site for that national organization.

The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. EDT at Arch L. Heady-Cralle Funeral Home, funeral director Larry Callahan said.

Harthill is survived by his two daughters, Alexis Borden of Louisville, and Meha Harthill of Irvine, Calif., Callahan said.