Stu Story #10

[Wandering Eyes]

by Diana Li McPherson

I have read with great interest the different Letters to the Editor people have sent in celebrating the life and love of Stuart Angus. Since my husband Steve McPherson and I loved and admired Stu, I felt compelled to share some thoughts on Stuart's extraordinary life.

My husband met Stu several years ago at Saratoga while “Stuey” worked for Taylor Made at the Fasig-Tipton Sale. It was clear from the first time they met that their shared traits in humanity would create the foundation for a lifetime of friendship. Their love of horses, their ability to tell amazing stories, and–most importantly–their love for their fellow man was an instant magnet that brought the two of them together.  That fact seems to be one of Taylor Made's superpowers.  Whether it's Frank Taylor, Mark, Duncan, Steve Castagnola or a number of other players on their team, Taylor Made seems to find the most sincere people to handle their sale business.  Certainly, Stuart Angus would be right at the top of anyone's 'most sincere' list.

As people have shared over and over again, Stu's ability to connect with people, his awareness of their circumstances and his ability to make their lives seem so important is only a few of the many traits that made Stuart special. He was compassionate, loving and he cared so deeply for others that it was almost surreal how important he was to the development of humanity in Kentucky and beyond. I cannot tell you how many times my husband and Stu would be sharing 'another' glass of bourbon, then, remarkably, Stu would spout out something so profound that you would just sit there staring at him in amazement.

The stories about how Stu enriched people's lives are being told over and over again in the TDN and in bars and restaurants all over Lexington. The number of young people he mentored will impact the Thoroughbred business for generations. If anything else, Stu taught us all that, while Thoroughbred racing is ultra competitive, kindness, grace and love can bring all of those competitors together. His impact on the industry and the people who work in horse racing can never really be measured.

While Stu lost the battle that so many of us watched him wage, he did so with such grace and dignity that it stands to inspire us all for years to come. As life goes on, and time passes, Stuart's memory will begin to fade as people go on with their lives. Here is hoping that those who have taken the time to share their remarkable love for Stuart will continue to do so far into the future.

Editor's Note: Stuart Angus, a Senior Thoroughbred Advisor for Taylor Made, passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 60. His friends are encouraging those he touched to submit `Stu stories' to the TDN. Please email suefinley@thetdn.com  if you have a story to share.

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