Robert Bob E. Holthus

Bob was born in Table Rock, Nebraska on June 24, 1934 to Paul and Alice Holthus. Bob grew up around horses and often commented that he was born into the racing industry. His father purchased his first thoroughbred the year Bob entered the world. While most rural Midwestern children walked to school, Bob had four legged transportation in the form of his trusted pony Billy.

In 1950 his keen interest in equines led him to the University of Nebraska’s undergraduate Veterinary Program. Academically gifted; he excelled in his studies but longed for the excitement of the racing circuit. In 1952, at age eighteen he applied for and was granted a Thoroughbred Trainer’s License. His first win came the same year, when Colleen won at the Columbus Fair Grounds in his home state.

Bob went on to be a dominate force in the racing industry. For fifty nine years, he operated a very successful public stable. Holthus Stable scored 2,824 wins from an estimated 20,000 starts and earned more than 46 million dollars. From the 1960’s until 2009 Bob co-owned and operated Kilkerry Farm, a 160 acre full service breeding and training center in Royal, Arkansas.

His greatest success came at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas where he holds 9 training titles. A two time winner of the Arkansas Derby, he is known as Mr. Oaklawn and the Dean of the Backstretch. His stellar racing accomplishments are widely known from New York to California, but wins taken at Oaklawn brought him the most joy. Simply put, “Hot Springs is special because it is home”. Arkansas feels the same about Bob. In 2000 he was inducted into the Arkansas Walk of Fame and in 2009, he was honored as Oaklawn Park’s Man of the Year.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Bonnie Holthus of Louisville, KY. and Hot Springs, AR. Children David Holthus of Little Rock, AR., Paul Holthus and Debbie Holthus of Hot Springs, AR. Granddaughters Kaitlin Chamblin of California, and Ashley Holthus of Virginia. Nephews Jason and Justin Evans of El Dorado, AR. Sister-in-Laws Barbara Newcomer and husband John of Sarasota, Florida and Carolyn Waldman and husband Mike of Shreveport, LA.

Bob and his wife, Bonnie of twenty five years celebrated the first, of two, Arkansas Derby wins the year they married; Proper Reality owned by long time friends Mr. and Mrs. James Winn, scored the victory at Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, AR . Lawyer Ron and Pure Clan were among two of his favorite multi-million dollar stake horses. Bob credited his success in the industry to good owners, good jockeys, and good fans. The family respects and appreciates everyone’s kindness.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Bob will be held Saturday November 26th, 2011 at 10:30am at Churchill Downs, Christ Chapel on the Backside in Louisville, Kentucky.

A Memorial Service will be held in Hot Springs, Arkansas in January 2012, date pending.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oaklawn Chaplaincy, Hot Springs, AR., or Christ Chaplaincy of Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.

Arch L Heady and Son Funeral Home at Westport Village, Louisville, KY has been entrusted with arrangements.