Renowned writer, journalist and lawyer Toby has died at the age of 73, the world mourns the loss of this award-winning talent and remembers his significant contributions throughout his career.
Milton Toby has passed away
Milton Toby, successful author and attorney, sadly passed away at the age of 73 at his home in Georgetown, Kentucky after a courageous battle with cancer. News of Toby’s death was originally reported by Blood-Horse, the publication to which he devoted more than a decade of his career before turning to freelance writing.
Beginning his sports writing career at the Aiken Standard, Toby’s first assignment included covering the 1972 GI Belmont S. He then returned to Kentucky in 1973 and became the featured writer for BloodHorse magazine for 12 years.
He didn’t just limit himself to writing, Toby also delved into the world of photojournalism, capturing stories around the world, from China to Costa Rica and Colombia. He later turned to law, earning his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1995. In addition to practicing law, he has taught at various Kentucky colleges and universities and served as chair of the Equine Law Section of the Central Kentucky Bar Association.
Additionally, he served as President of the American Society of Journalists and Authors from 2018 to 2020, served on the board of American Horse Publications from 2010 to 2013, and served as an instructor of commercial equine law at the University of Louisville’s Equine Industry Program. .
A prolific author, Toby has written 10 books, several of which have received prestigious awards. His book “Dancer’s Image, the Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby” brought him the 2011 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award and the American Horse Publications Editorial Award for Best Book on Horses in 2011. More accolades followed in 2012, winning the AHP Award for Best Book on Horses again with Noora: The Amazing Journey of a Champion Thoroughbred from California to Kentucky. ” Toby repeated this feat in 2018 with “Taking Shergar: Thoroughbred Racing’s Most Famous Cold Case.”
Tragically, “Unnatural Ability, the History of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Racing” became Toby’s 10th and final book, to be published posthumously next month by the University Press of Kentucky.
Toby is survived by his wife Roberta. No service or visitation is scheduled at this time. However, the gathering of memories can be announced later. Those wishing to make a gesture in Toby’s honor can make donations in his name to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington.
What happened to Milton Toby?
Milton C. Toby, respected award-winning author and attorney, left this world on July 24 at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer. Remembered as a true Renaissance man, he approached life with unwavering enthusiasm, never doing anything half-heartedly.
Toby’s tall, lean figure, combined with his Lincolnian good looks, matched his quick wit, dry humor, and boundless ardor for his various passions. His interests were an eclectic mix, from Star Wars, golf and Fiona the hippo to travel, law, animals and mysteries. However, above all, his love for writing shined brightest, and thoroughbred racing became his permanent theme, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Born on October 26, 1949 to William and Laura Susan Toby in Campbellsville, Kentucky, Toby grew up surrounded by American Saddlebreds, but it was the Thoroughbreds that ignited his passion. Shortly after earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Kentucky at the age of 22, he accepted a sports writing opportunity at Aiken Standard in South Carolina. From that moment on, his fate was sealed, and his debut assignment covering the Belmont Stakes (G1) cemented his passion for the sport.
Joining the staff of BloodHorse magazine in his home state, Toby’s career took off, coinciding with Secretariat’s historic Triple Crown race in 1973. The 1970s marked a golden era for racing, and Toby was a witness, photographer and chronicler of the races. its size. During his 12 years at BloodHorse, he honed his journalistic craft and even ventured west to oversee photography at the 1984 Equestrian Olympics in Los Angeles.
Frank Angst, editorial director of BloodHorse, expressed his deep appreciation for Toby’s mentorship and contributions to the publication: “I have lost a friend and mentor who over the years helped me get my ideas across and focus on different stories. Milt’s knowledge of equine law and industry regulation is unmatched unmatched. Even after he stopped publishing, he loved all things BloodHorse, giving us a first look at many of his wonderful stories. BloodHorse is forever grateful that we were able to feature some of Milt’s incredible work.”
As he passed on, Toby was flanked by his beloved wife Roberta, accompanied by his faithful companions Doberman Echo and surveillance cat Winston. He left behind a large family and many friends who loved him very much.
To honor his memory, no service or visitation is scheduled at this time. However, the gathering of memories can be organized later. Those wishing to make a meaningful gesture in his name can contribute to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington.
How did Milton Toby die?
Milton C. Toby, a man of many passions and an unwavering zest for life, had a unique charm with his tall, lean frame and wit as dry as the desert. From Star Wars and golf to Jack the Ripper and Fiona the hippo, his interests spanned a wide spectrum, including travel, law, publishing, criminal justice, animals and mysteries. But above all, writing was his true calling, and his contribution to thoroughbred racing left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born on October 26, 1949 in Campbellsville, Kentucky, Toby’s fascination with thoroughbreds soon overshadowed his exposure to American Saddlebreds growing up. Fresh out of the University of Kentucky with a degree in animal husbandry at age 22, he began a career as a sportswriter at the Aiken Standard in South Carolina, where his first assignment at the Belmont Stakes ignited his passion for horse racing.
Joining The Blood-Horse magazine a year later in his home state, Toby witnessed history unfold during Secretariat’s triumphant 1973 Triple Crown campaign. The 1970s marked a golden era for racing, and Toby was there to capture its essence through his lens and words. Over the course of 12 years, he honed his journalistic skills, and his journey led him to the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where he supervised photography for the equestrian events.
In a fitting tribute to his remarkable career, his tenth and final book, “Unnatural Ability, The History of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Racing,” is scheduled to be published next month by the University Press of Kentucky. A magnum opus in every sense, it stands as a testament to his deep insights and immense contribution to the racing industry.
On July 24, 2023, Milton C. Toby passed away at his home in Georgetown, Kentucky, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was accompanied by his loving wife, Roberta, and his loyal companions, Echo, the Doberman, and Winston, the surveillance cat. He leaves behind his extended family and many friends whose lives he touched with his indomitable spirit.
Although no service or visitation is planned at this time, a memorial gathering may be held in the future. To honor his memory, contributions may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington, KY. Milton C. Toby will forever be remembered for his unmatched passion, indelible influence and boundless love for the sport he nurtured.
Cause of death and obituary
Milton C. Toby, distinguished author and attorney, passed away on July 24 at his beloved home in Georgetown, Kentucky, after a courageous battle with cancer. At the age of 73, he leaves behind a legacy as a true Renaissance man, embracing life with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Tall and slender, with a demeanor reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln, Toby’s intellect was sharp, his humor witty, and his passions deep. His eclectic interests ranged from Star Wars, golf, Jack the Ripper and Fiona the Hippo to travel, law, publishing, criminal justice, teaching and a fascination with mysteries. Among his myriad pursuits, writing took center stage, especially his eloquent articles on thoroughbred racing, leaving a lasting impact on the development of the sport.
He is the author of an impressive collection of 10 books, and his literary achievements have earned him numerous awards. It is significant that “Dancer’s Image, the Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby” received the prestigious Dr. 2011 Tony Ryan Book Award, along with the 2011 American Horse Publications Editorial Award for Best Horse Publication.
Incredibly, Toby achieved a double triumph, again winning AHP’s Best Horse Book in 2012 with Noor: A Champion Thoroughbred’s Incredible Journey from California to Kentucky, and repeating the feat in 2018 with Taking Shergar: Thoroughbred Racing’s Most Famous Cold Case. ” A testament to his unwavering dedication, his tenth and final masterpiece, “Unnatural Ability, the History of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Racing,” is slated for publication from the esteemed University Press of Kentucky next month.
His beloved wife, Roberta, is proof of the deep love they shared, and it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to this extraordinary person. Although no service or visitation is currently scheduled, a memorial gathering may be held in his memory. For those wishing to pay their respects, donations in Toby’s name may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington, where his legacy of compassion and influence will continue to thrive.
By his side in his final moments was Roberta, his beloved wife, along with Doberman Echo and surveillance cat Winston, who had been his steadfast companion throughout the journey. His memory will forever be cherished by his extended family and many friends who were touched by his presence.
BloodHorse, a publication he greatly valued and contributed immensely to, is eternally grateful for the opportunity to showcase Milt’s exceptional work, a testament to his profound impact on the world of thoroughbred racing and beyond.
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Source: HIS Education