Dr. Charles "Chuck" Kidder died July 23 at the age of 75 after a brief illness.
Kidder, a graduate of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, specialized in weanling, yearling, and broodmare care. He was an equine ambulatory veterinarian for 50 years before his death, partnering with Dr. J. K. Griggs in 1976.
A Lexington local, Kidder also owned and operated Corner Woods, a small Thoroughbred breeding farm in Fayette County, Ky., with his wife, fellow veterinarian Dr. Nancy Cole. Some of the notable stakes winners bred or co-bred by Kidder include 2009 champion female sprinter and Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) winner Informed Decision, and grade 1 winners Hoppertunity , Midnight Lucky, and Executiveprivilege.
Kidder was also a successful racehorse owner. His most accomplished runner was Stellar Jayne, a multiple grade 1 winner Kidder campaigned in partnership with Spendthrift Farm, Nick Strong, and his wife Nancy. Purchased under the Corner Woods moniker for $150,000 as a weanling at the 2001 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Mixed Sale, Stellar Jayne was sent to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas and captured four stakes, including two grade 1s, at 2 and 3 for Kidder and his partners. After capping her 3-year-old campaign with a third-place showing in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), the daughter of Wild Rush was sent through the sales ring at that year's Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale where she realized $3.6 million to Godolphin's John Ferguson.
Kidder is survived by his wife, Nancy, son, Ben Kidder, and his five grandchildren, Ziggy, Charlie, Lila, Linus, and Mary David Kidder.
A celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date.
