Longstanding Keeneland bid spotter Pete McCormick died Jan. 26 at the age of 75. A native of Ontario, Calif., McCormick was a boy when given his first job in the auction business from the legendary Tom Caldwell, the longtime head auctioneer at Keeneland, who took McCormick under his wing. McCormick also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. At the time of his death, he was living near his family in East Bend, N.C.
Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin released the following statement on McCormick's death: “The Keeneland family mourns the passing of Pete McCormick, who was an iconic presence in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion during his four decades as a bid spotter.
“Pete famously said: ‘My life is the auction business,’ and he was widely respected by colleagues and horsemen for his tireless work ethic, professionalism, and devotion to his craft. He would arrive at the sale two to three hours before the auction began to walk the barns, talking to buyers and consignors and getting to know the horses. His extensive knowledge and his demeanor won him a legion of fans, many of them buyers at the highest level, who showed their confidence in Pete by sitting in his area of the ring to place their bids. He was their good-luck charm.
“Keeneland extends its deepest condolences to Pete’s family, especially his son, Ken. He will be greatly missed.”
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
