Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Leslie Combs II
1901 - 1990
Photographed By Ken Smith, July 11, 2012
1. Leslie Combs II Marker
Inscription.
Leslie Combs II put a modern slant on the management and marketing of horses. He specialized in the form of syndication whereby some thirty-six shares would be sold in an individual stallion. Beau Pere, purchased for $100,000 in 1947, was his first syndication and was followed within a decade by Alibhai in the first half-million dollar syndication and then Nashua in the million-dollar plus syndication. Nashua became a prime tourist attraction in Lexington, standing for a quarter-century at Combs' Spendthrift Farm. In the early 1940s, Combs was one of the organizers of Breeders' Sales Company, forerunner of the sales division of Keeneland Association. His acumen as a salesman was illustrated by major investors he recruited into racing and by his being the leading consignor at the summer sale eighteen times. Yearlings sold by Combs and partners included record breakers such as 1950s filly champion Idun ($63,000) and 1969 Kentucky Derby winner Majestic Prince ($250,000). His son Brownell succeeded Combs in Spendthrift's management. . This historical marker is in Lexington in Fayette County Kentucky
Leslie Combs II put a modern slant on the management and marketing of horses. He specialized in the form of syndication whereby some thirty-six shares would be sold in an individual stallion. Beau Pere, purchased for $100,000 in 1947, was his first syndication and was followed within a decade by Alibhai in the first half-million dollar syndication and then Nashua in the million-dollar plus syndication. Nashua became a prime tourist attraction in Lexington, standing for a quarter-century at Combs' Spendthrift Farm. In the early 1940s, Combs was one of the organizers of Breeders' Sales Company, forerunner of the sales division of Keeneland Association. His acumen as a salesman was illustrated by major investors he recruited into racing and by his being the leading consignor at the summer sale eighteen times. Yearlings sold by Combs and partners included record breakers such as 1950s filly champion Idun ($63,000) and 1969 Kentucky Derby winner Majestic Prince ($250,000). His son Brownell succeeded Combs in Spendthrift's management.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals
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• Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.
Location. 38° 2.524′ N, 84° 29.416′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 60) and Midland Avenue (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling west. Located in Thoroughbred Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Midland Avenue, Lexington KY 40508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 591 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.