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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

• 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Paul Mellon (here, next to this marker); Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. (here, next to this marker); C. V. Whitney (here, next to this marker); Elizabeth Arden Graham (here, next to this marker); Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt (a few steps from

Photographed by Ken Smith, July 11, 2012

2. Leslie Combs II Marker

this marker); Lucille Parker Markey (a few steps from this marker); George D. Widener (a few steps from this marker); HRM Queen Elizabeth II (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

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 828 times since then and 25 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.