Harry Schmidt Jr., Retired Manager of Spendthrift Farm, Dies

Harry Schmidt Jr., the 1985 Kentucky Farm Manager of the Year and longtime broodmare manager at Spendthrift Farm near Lexington, died Tuesday in a Lexington hospital. He was 81.

Schmidt served as broodmare manager at Spendthrift from 1952-76 when the farm was owned by Leslie Combs II. Among the horses foaled at the Lexington farm during Schmidt's tenure were Hall of Fame member Majestic Prince and celebrated stallion Mr. Prospector.

Schmidt, a decorated World War II veteran, was named Farm Manager of the Year while working for Windhaven Farm. At the time of his death, he was a life member of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club.

Schmidt served as an adviser for 11 years at Nathan Fox and Richard Kaster's Wafare Farm near Midway, Ky., working in the office and farm. His son, Terry Nickell, manages the farm. Schmidt also served on a panel with other Central Kentucky horsemen that discussed farm practices. The series appeared in the The Blood-Horse.

In addition to Nickell, Schmidt is survived by his wife, Rachel, and another son, Jeffrey.