Gus Koch

Born on September 26, 1946, Gus Koch grew up on a farm in Cincinnati, Ohio. As the son of a turf writer, Koch had an early introduction to the track. Accompanying his father as often as he was able, he was well acquainted with both Ohio and Kentucky racing. In fact, Koch’s first horse was a former lead pony purchased from Latonia.

Upon completion of high school Koch was drafted for the Vietnam War. He served in the United States Marine Corps and saw active duty, having shipped out July 1966. Koch’s tour was intended for thirteen months but was cut short due to a family illness. Shortly after he was flown out via the Red Cross, his outfit saw combat that left many both wounded and dead. Though he admits he “wouldn’t do it again for a million bucks” Koch credits his self-confidence and hardworking nature to his military training and experiences.

When he returned to civilian life in 1967, Koch began working at Stoner Creek Stud under farm manager Charles Kenney. His early years under Kenney saw him hauling feed and often working with Standardbreds, yet Koch recalls his five years at Stoner Creek with a great deal of fondness. It was during his time at Stoner Creek that he met his future wife, Theresa. In fact, the pair had their first encounter outside of Count Fleet’s stall. They soon wed and had two sons during their Stoner Creek years.

Following his five years under Kenney, Koch and his family moved north in 1972 to E.P. Taylor’s Windfields Farm, located in Oshawa, Canada. Gaining a whole new perspective on raising horses, Koch was exposed to English horses and English traditions. During this period of Koch’s career, much of his time was spent between Canada and Maryland, working with racehorse greats like Northern Dancer, Natalma, and The Minstrel.

After five years at Windfields, Koch and his family moved south and he began the first in the remaining chapters of his career. Koch began as Claiborne Farm’s assistant manager in 1978. While at Claiborne he worked with a countless number of great horses, in fact it’s hard for him to even try to list favorites. “There is no one best memory, just the people and the horses. I’ve had a dream position at Claiborne. Anybody in the horse business would have loved to have done what I have done,” Koch told Deirdre B. Biles in 2009 during an interview for Blood-Horse.

Koch does have a special place in his heart for Nijinsky, though. He worked with the great horse both at Windfields and Claiborne. Other Claiborne standouts include: Danzig, Mr. Prospector, Round Table, Secretariat, Easy Goer, Pulpit, Swale, and Seeking the Gold.

After 31 years at Claiborne, Koch retired from his post in 2009. He is a past president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club. The club honored him in 2004, naming him Farm Manager of the Year. Koch and his wife are parents to ten children, five sons and five daughters. Koch continues to stay involved in the horse business, whether it’s through his children (five of his sons and one daughter are involved in the industry) or at his and Theresa’s own Mt. Carmel Farm, located near Cynthiana, Kentucky.

Resources: 

“After 31 years, Koch calls it quits.” Daily Racing Forum. September 11, 2009.

“Koch to Retire as Claiborne's Farm Manager.” The Blood-Horse, September 14, 2009.

"End of a Glorious Era.” Canadian Thoroughbred. Spring 1996. 26-30.