from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Samuel M. Brannon, 78, whose skill in converting Standardbred race horses into high level roadster show horses spanned decades and hundreds of championships, died at his home in Georgetown, Ky., on Dec. 31, 2013.

Mr. Brannon was the husband of Marie Kirk Brannon and had been ill for many months.

He was born March 7, 1935 in Norfolk, Va. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association, the United Professional Horse Association and an inductee of the Horse Trainer Hall of Fame and the Kentucky State Hall of Fame.

Among the more successful Standardbreds he trained for both under saddle and roadster classes were Winnie’s Guy, aka Autobahn, Imperial Glory, Eyre Lad, High Ridin Glory, Cross Bow and Aragorn.

“I think at heart he wanted to train racehorses, too,” said Elizabeth Caldwell of Cane Run Farm, who knew Brannon from the time she took riding lessons from him as a child. Brannon trained Saddlebreds and roadsters for both Caldwell and her mother, Fredericka Van Lennep Caldwell. “He watched the (harness) racing channels, scouting prospects, all the time. He would have been proud to be recognized in the harness industry as well.”

In addition to his wife, Mr. Brannon is survived by his children, Nancy, Zoe, Rocky, Stoney and Bucky.

Friends are invited to a celebration of his life this Saturday (Jan. 4) from 2-5 p.m. at Heaven Trees Farm, 2714 Elkchester Road, Lexington, Ky.

Memorial contributions may be made to Forest Hill Military Academy, 1122 Main St., P.O. Box 277, Millersburg, KY 40348.