Welcome to Runnymede Farm

Brutus Clay

On behalf of everyone at Runnymede Farm, I would like to welcome you to our website, through which we hope to share the Clay family’s dedication to raising the great Thoroughbreds that have been our hallmark for generations.

You will find a wealth of information regarding Runnymede’s incomparable history, going back to 1867 when my great grandfather, Colonel Ezekiel Clay, founded the farm and began to breed Hall of Fame horses like Ben Brush, winner of the Kentucky Derby; Hanover, who won the Belmont Stakes and 17 consecutive races, and Miss Woodford, the first horse in America to earn $100,000. In recent years, horses we have bred and raised have won at the highest levels around the world, from Japanese champion Agnes Digital to American Grade 1 winners like Awesome Gem, Divine Park and Jaycito to European Group 1 stars Palace Episode and Laughing Lashes.

As a member of the fourth consecutive generation to be involved in breeding Thoroughbreds on Runnymede’s gentle hills, I feel a deep connection to our forefathers’ legacy while we seek the best paths to the future. We are ever mindful of the reputation that has been built overmore than acenturyand we are committed to not only maintaining the high standards that Runnymede-breds represent, but also to improving upon them. We have three core principles:

  • The welfare of the horses comes first.
  • Integrity is fundamental to our success and the success of our clients.
  • We focus on breeding and raising horses that can win races, knowing that the commercial market will take care of itself.

To describe our breeding operation as a business does not come close to reality. This isn’t just a business or a sport, it is our way of life, and every day our team strives to build a future that will be worthy of our storied past.

We invite you to contact us if you are interested in more information about Runnymede’s horses and programs.

Sincerely yours,
Brutus J. Clay III, Chief Executive Officer



Catesby W. Clay Chairman Emeritus

Catesby W. Clay was born on Runnymede Farm, which he managed for the last five decades representing the Clay family's third generation since the farm's founding by his grandfather Col. Ezekiel Clay. During Mr. Clay's tenure as Runnymede’s president, he enhanced the farm's tradition of breeding top Thoroughbred racehorses. Individually and in partnerships, Runnymede bred more than 50 stakes winners, including 20 graded winners, five Grade 1 winners and a champion and earner of more than $8-million. The farm's breeding success was extended internationally for the first time, beginning in Europe in the 1970s with Full Extent, winner of the Gimcrack Stakes, and eventually to Japan, where Agnes Digital reigned as champion in 2001.

Catesby Clay’s lifetime achievements in the Thoroughbred industry were recognized by the Thoroughbred Club of America, which made him the honor guest at its 78th annual testimonial dinner in 2009. His many industry posts have included appointments to Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and to the board of directors of Churchill Downs, which he served for more than 40 years. He also has been associated with Kentucky River Coal Co. for over 50 years, where he served as president and chairman of the board. His numerous honors in the energy industry have included induction into the Kentucky Coal Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Diplomacy.

For testimonials to Catesby Clay in conjunction with his Thoroughbred Club of America honor, click here.

A Blood-Horse magazine feature on Catesby Clay and Runnymede is available here.