Milton Toby Passed Away, What Happened To Milton Toby? How Did Milton Toby Die? Cause Of Death And Obituary
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jul 25, 2023
Milton Toby Passed Away
Milton Toby, an accomplished author, and attorney, sadly passed away at the age of 73 in his Georgetown, Kentucky home after a courageous battle with cancer. The news of Toby's passing was initially reported by Blood-Horse, a publication he dedicated over a decade of his career before venturing into freelance writing.
Beginning his sports writing journey at the Aiken Standard, Toby's first assignment involved covering the 1972 GI Belmont S. He then returned to Kentucky in 1973 and became a prominent writer for BloodHorse magazine for 12 years.
Not just limited to writing, Toby also delved into the world of photojournalism, capturing stories across the globe, from China to Costa Rica and Columbia. Later, he shifted his focus to law, earning a law degree from the University of Kentucky School of Law in 1995. Alongside practicing law, he taught at various Kentucky colleges and universities and held the chair of the Central Kentucky Bar Association's equine law division.
Furthermore, he served as president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors from 2018 to 2020, contributed to the board of the American Horse Publications from 2010 to 2013, and served as an instructor in equine commercial law at the University of Louisville's Equine Industry Program.
A prolific author, Toby penned 10 books, with several receiving prestigious accolades. His book "Dancer's Image, the Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby" earned him the 2011 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award and the American Horse Publications Editorial Award for the best equine book of 2011. He followed up with more recognition in 2012, winning AHP's top equine book award again with "Noor: A Champion Thoroughbred's Unlikely Journey from California to Kentucky." Toby repeated this feat in 2018 with "Taking Shergar: Thoroughbred Racing's Most Famous Cold Case."
Tragically, "Unnatural Ability, the History of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Racing" became Toby's 10th and final book, set to be published posthumously next month by the University Press of Kentucky.
Toby is survived by his wife, Roberta. At this time, no service or visitation is scheduled. However, a gathering of remembrance may be announced at a later date. Those wishing to make a gesture in Toby's honor can make donations in his name to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington.
What Happened To Milton Toby?
Milton C. Toby, an esteemed award-winning author, and attorney, departed this world on July 24 at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer. Remembered as a true Renaissance man, he approached life with unwavering enthusiasm, never doing anything half-heartedly.
Toby's tall, lanky frame, coupled with his Lincolnesque appearance, was matched by his quick wit, dry humor, and boundless intensity for his various passions. His interests were an eclectic mix, spanning from Star Wars, golf, and Fiona the Hippo to travel, law, animals, and mysteries. Yet, above all, his love for writing shone brightest, and Thoroughbred racing became his enduring subject, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Born on October 26, 1949, to William and Laura Susan Toby in Campbellsville, Kentucky, Toby grew up surrounded by American Saddlebreds, but it was the Thoroughbreds that ignited his fervor. Shortly after obtaining a degree in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky at the age of 22, he embraced a sports writing opportunity at the Aiken Standard in South Carolina. From that moment, his destiny was sealed, and his debut assignment covering the Belmont Stakes (G1) solidified his passion for the sport.
Joining the staff at BloodHorse magazine back in his home state, Toby's career soared, coinciding with the historic Triple Crown run of Secretariat in 1973. The 1970s marked a golden era for racing, and Toby was a witness, a photographer, and a chronicler of its grandeur. Over the course of 12 years at BloodHorse, he honed his journalistic craft and even ventured west to oversee photography at the 1984 Olympic Games' equestrian events in Los Angeles.
Frank Angst, the editorial director at BloodHorse, expressed his deep appreciation for Toby's mentorship and contributions to the publication: "I've lost a friend and a mentor who over the years helped me get my ideas and focus together for various stories. Milt's knowledge of equine law and industry regulation is second to none. Even after moving on from the publication, he loved all things BloodHorse, which gave us the first crack at many of his wonderful stories. BloodHorse is forever grateful that we've been able to showcase some of Milt's amazing work."
As he passed on, Toby was surrounded by his beloved wife, Roberta, and accompanied by his faithful companions Echo the Doberman and Winston the surveillance cat. He leaves behind extended family and numerous friends who cherished him dearly.
In honor of his memory, no service or visitation has been scheduled at this time. However, a gathering of remembrance may be arranged later. Those wishing to make a meaningful gesture in his name can contribute to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington.
How Did Milton Toby Die?
Milton C. Toby, a man of many passions and an unwavering zest for life, had a unique charm with his tall, lanky frame, and a wit as dry as the desert. From Star Wars and golf to Jack the Ripper and Fiona the Hippo, his interests spanned a wide spectrum, encompassing travel, law, publishing, criminal justice, animals, and mysteries. But above all, writing was his true calling, and his contributions to Thoroughbred racing left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born on October 26, 1949, in Campbellsville, Kentucky, Toby's fascination with Thoroughbreds soon eclipsed his exposure to American Saddlebreds during his upbringing. Fresh out of the University of Kentucky with a degree in Animal Science at the tender age of 22, he embarked on a sports writing career at the Aiken Standard in South Carolina, where his first assignment on the Belmont Stakes ignited his passion for horse racing.
Joining The Blood-Horse magazine a year later in his home state, Toby witnessed history unfold during Secretariat's triumphant 1973 Triple Crown campaign. The 1970s marked a golden era for racing, and Toby was there to capture its essence through his lens and words. Over 12 years, he honed his journalistic prowess, and his journey led him to the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where he supervised photography for equestrian events.
In a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career, his tenth and final book, "Unnatural Ability, The History of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Racing," is set to be published next month by the University Press of Kentucky. A magnum opus in every sense, it stands as a testament to his deep insights and immense contributions to the racing industry.
On July 24, 2023, Milton C. Toby breathed his last at his home in Georgetown, Kentucky, after bravely facing cancer. Beside him were his loving wife, Roberta, and his loyal companions, Echo the Doberman and Winston the surveillance cat. He leaves behind extended family and a multitude of friends whose lives he touched with his indomitable spirit.
While no service or visitation is scheduled at this time, a gathering of remembrance may be arranged in the future. In honor of his memory, contributions can be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington, KY. Milton C. Toby will forever be remembered for his unparalleled passion, indelible impact, and boundless love for the sport he cherished.
Cause Of Death And Obituary
Milton C. Toby, a distinguished author, and attorney, bid farewell to this world on July 24 at his cherished home in Georgetown, Kentucky, after valiantly battling cancer. At the age of 73, he leaves behind a legacy as a true Renaissance man, embracing life with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Tall and lanky, with a demeanor reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln, Toby's intellect was sharp, his humor witty, and his passions ran deep. His eclectic interests ranged from Star Wars, golf, Jack the Ripper, and Fiona the Hippo, to travel, law, publishing, criminal justice, teaching, and a fascination with mysteries. Among his myriad pursuits, writing took center stage, especially his eloquent pieces on Thoroughbred racing, leaving an enduring impact on the sport's development.
Having authored an impressive collection of 10 books, his literary achievements garnered him numerous accolades. Notably, "Dancer's Image, the Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby" received the prestigious 2011 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, along with the American Horse Publications Editorial Award for being the finest equine publication of 2011.
Remarkably, Toby achieved a double triumph, clinching AHP's top equine book again in 2012 with "Noor: A Champion Thoroughbred's Unlikely Journey from California to Kentucky," and repeating the feat in 2018 with "Taking Shergar: Thoroughbred Racing's Most Famous Cold Case." A testament to his unwavering dedication, his 10th and final masterpiece, "Unnatural Ability, the History of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Racing," is set for publication by the esteemed University Press of Kentucky next month.
His beloved wife, Roberta, stands as a testament to the profound love they shared, and it is with heavy hearts that we say farewell to this extraordinary individual. While no service or visitation is currently scheduled, a gathering of remembrance may be organized to honor his memory. For those who wish to pay their respects, donations in Toby's name can be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington, where his legacy of compassion and impact will continue to thrive.
At his side in his final moments were Roberta, his cherished wife, along with Echo the Doberman and Winston the surveillance cat, who provided unwavering companionship throughout his journey. His memory will forever be cherished by his extended family and the multitude of friends who were touched by his presence.
BloodHorse, a publication that he held dear and contributed to immensely, is eternally grateful for the opportunity to showcase Milt's exceptional work, a testament to his profound influence on the world of Thoroughbred racing and beyond.
Milton Toby Passed Away - FAQs
Milton C. Toby was an award-winning author and attorney known as a Renaissance man who embraced life with passion and enthusiasm.
Milton Toby passed away on July 24 at his home in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Milton Toby had a wide range of interests, from Star Wars, golf, and Jack the Ripper to travel, law, publishing, criminal justice, animals, and mysteries. Above all, he loved writing about Thoroughbred racing.
Milton Toby authored 10 books, and he received awards for some of his works, including the 2011 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award and the American Horse Publications Editorial Award.
Milton Toby's final book is titled "Unnatural Ability, the History of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Racing." It is set to be published next month by the University Press of Kentucky.