Kentucky farrier Bradford dies at 69

Bradford was farrier to such stars as Gorella (Photo courtesy of Turfway Park and Sissy Bradford)

Longtime Kentucky farrier Errol Bradford died Tuesday after a six-month

battle with cancer. He was 69.

Bradford was born in Ohio, but upon graduating from high school traveled west

to take up a position as a range cowboy for the TS Ranch in Battle Mountain,

Nevada. He was 19 when he joined the International Professional Rodeo

Association and for six years competed in bull riding and saddle bronc events.

At the end of those six years, Bradford had completed his apprenticeship as a

farrier and began a 45-year-long career that would take him to some of the top

barns in both Thoroughbred racing and the world of equestrian events.

In the racing industry, Bradford's clientele included Belmont S. (G1) victor Sarava, Grade 1 queen Gorella (Fr)

(Grape Tree Road [GB]) and multiple Grade 1 hero Harlan's Holiday.

He also worked on such United States Equestrian Federation stars as the

world-ranked Grand Prix jumper Charmed as well as Enchanted and Renaissance,

both Horse of the Year in equestrian disciplines, for the Dillard family.

Bradford is survived by his wife, Sissy; their nine-year-daughter, Cora; and

a son and two daughters from a previous marriage. A memorial fund has been

established to provide educational assistance to Cora and the family asks in

lieu of flowers that donations be made to the fund.

Family and friends can gather for a memorial service at The Barn in Rabbit

Hash, Kentucky, next Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. (EST). As per his wishes, Bradford's

ashes will be scattered at Turfway Park, Keeneland and River Downs. The Turfway

ceremony will be held March 1 before the 1ST race. The other tracks' plans are

pending.