Horse breeder, real estate broker Lucy Bassett dies

Lucy Gay Bassett, 87, a horse breeder, real estate broker and wife of James E. “Ted” Bassett III, died Sunday at her home in Woodford County.

She was the owner of Lanark Farm, where she bred more than 10 stakes winners, including Adoration, who earned more than $2.1 million and won the 2003 Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

Because of her keen interest in Central Kentucky’s farmland, Bassett established the real estate firm Rogers-Bassett in 1975 and over the next 20 years brokered deals for high-profile properties, including Elmendorf Farm.

Bassett was an avid golfer and served on the board of Headley-Whitney Museum.

She was a native of Lexington whose father, A.B. Gay, was a prominent horseman and farmer who was on the board of the Keeneland Association for decades and helped found Idle Hour Country Club.

She and former Keeneland president and board chairman Ted Bassett were married 65 years. She is also survived by a brother, Dr. James Gay, and his wife, Anne.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Milward-Broadway. Services will be at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lexington Cemetery.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 9:01 PM with the headline "Horse breeder, real estate broker Lucy Bassett dies."