[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CATESBY WOODFORD CLAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2023

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an 
exceptional man, Catesby Woodford Clay, of Paris, Kentucky, who today 
is celebrating his 100th birthday and a lifetime of leadership in the 
fields of natural resources and Thoroughbred racehorses. A staunch 
philanthropist, Mr. Clay has devoutly practiced his Catholic faith with 
his wife, Elizabeth ``Biz'' Clay, while raising 8 children and 
shepherding 15 grandchildren into the future.
  Although known by friends for his mischievous levity and penchant for 
boldly-colored clothes, Mr. Clay has been a most serious achiever. For 
over 73 years, he served Kentucky River Coal Corp, and its successor, 
Kentucky River Properties, in many roles, including president and board 
chairman. Kentucky River Properties has risen as a major regional 
operation with extensive coal reserves and more than 140,000 acres of 
Appalachian hardwood forests.
  Yet it is the welfare of people that has always been a top priority 
for Mr. Clay. He championed corporate charitable efforts that resulted 
in millions of dollars in contributions and scholarships for Kentucky 
colleges and public school systems, in addition to the establishment of 
an endowment fund for nursing scholarships and funding for drug 
addiction treatment.
  As the scion of a prominent family whose roots extend throughout the 
annals of Kentucky, he was the third generation to run historic 
Runnymede Farm, birthplace of 4 Kentucky Derby winners including this 
year's victor Mage. Mr. Clay bred top racehorses over 7 decades that 
won major races in Europe and Asia in addition to North America.
  Beyond forging an international reputation for elite horses, Mr. Clay 
served as a member of the Kentucky Racing Commission and as a 45-year 
stalwart on Churchill Downs' board of directors. He was feted as the 
2009 Honored Guest by the Thoroughbred Club of America.
  A graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and a U.S. 
Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Clay has generously supported 
Catholic missions from Kentucky to Africa and Asia. His son, Catesby 
``Chris'' Jr., followed his spiritual path to become an ordained 
priest.
  Thus, I am honored to recognize Catesby Woodford Clay on his 100th 
birthday for his gentlemanly stewardship of a unique family heritage, 
his devotion to charitable causes, and his lifetime of success while 
committed to faith and family.

                          ____________________