from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Ronnie Dale Guhy, 65, of Wickliffe, Ky., died Jan. 16, 2015, in LaCenter, Ky.

Mr. Guhy was born Oct. 21, 1949, in Mayfield, Ky. He spent a lifetime in the harness racing industry. Although in recent years he mainly competed in Illinois and Kentucky, he raced successfully at tracks throughout the country. Over the years, horses from his stables could be found decked out in red and winning at venues from county fairs to major stakes at the pari-mutuel racetracks.

Mr. Guhy drove his last race on Sept. 11, 2014, at Hoosier Park in Indiana. He won 654 races and amassed $1,389,272 in purse earnings. In recent years, he was one of the top drivers on the Kentucky Fair Circuit each season.

Known for his quiet disposition and patience, he could be credited with giving many horses their early lessons on the track. Many of those horses went on to become quality racehorses around the country and in Canada after graduating from the Kentucky events.

On the training side, he sent 171 winners to the track, earning $1,489,791 in purses. Always carrying a decent training percentage, Mr. Guhy was the private trainer for Clyde Stevens of LaCenter, Ky., for a number of years.

An auto dealership owner, the Stevens owned horses bore the “Chevie” brand in their name. Some of the duo’s top performers were Chevie Cash p,2,1:50.4 ($265,078), Chevie Nitrous p,3,1:52.4 ($116,852) and former 2-year-old world champion Chevie Duramax p,2,1:50.3 ($116,342).

Mr. Guhy was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews. His passion for harness racing was passed on to his nephew, Bobby Brower, who is a successful trainer based in Indiana.

He is survived by his sisters, Debra Hoskins and Emma Franklin; and his brother, Gary. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Thelma Tharp Guhy; sisters, Betty Brower, Linda Bobbett, Janet Burgess and Brenda Tucker; and brothers, Claude Jr. and Glendle.

A memorial service will be held at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe on Wednesday (Jan. 21) at 1 p.m. Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronnie Guhy Memorial Fund, c/o Burlin Brower, 2396 Stone Corner Rd., Kevil, KY 42053.

You may leave a message, light a candle, or share a song tribute for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.