Kentucky Owner and Breeder Scott Ricker Dies

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Thoroughbred breeder and owner Scott Edward Ricker died of cancer June 20 at the age of 59.

Born in Geneva, Ill. and raised in St. Charles, Ricker was a longtime resident of Paris, Ky. He was a member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the Kentucky Farm Managers Club, and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

He and his wife, Carol, founded Sunny Oak Farm near Paris in 1979. Countess Diana, who earned an Eclipse Award as 1997 United States champion 2-year-old filly, was the most notable runner raised at Sunny Oak.

Countess Diana was bred and co-owned by Richard Kaster, who often partnered with Ricker. The graded stakes wins for the daughter of Deerhound include the 1997 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and Spinaway Stakes (gr. I).

In partnership with Kaster, Ricker also bred stakes winner Lost Aptitude and raced Dyna Whirl, winner of the 1996 Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland. Dyna Whirl was bred by Ricker's father-in-law, Dr. William Harris, a horse owner for more than 40 years.

Ricker is survived by his wife and sons, Marc C. and Jon S. Ricker; a sister, Laurie Vincent; four brothers, Randall, David, Kent, and Jeff Ricker; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 23 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 24 at the Hinton-Turner Funeral Home in Paris. Pastor Sammie Harris will preside.