Stuart Angus of Lexington died Aug. 28 in Nashville, Tenn., after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his son, Drew, and daughter-in-law, Alexa, along with their two foster children. Angus was one of three children born to his parents, Carol and Douglas Angus.
Angus was born and raised in New Jersey. During his youth, he fell in love with horses, and that love of the Thoroughbred shaped the rest of his life. Angus did not skip steps in his development as a true horseman. Angus took the time to graduate from farrier school and expose himself to every aspect of the Thoroughbred industry. He landed a job with Due Process Stable, while still in New Jersey, where he learned stallion care and mare reproduction. Ultimately, Angus knew that if he wanted to truly create a career with Thoroughbreds, he needed to head south to Kentucky.
Angus landed on his feet in the Bluegrass State and continued to build his resume. He worked for leading farms, such as Walmac, Vinery, Payson Stud, and Watercress, while steadily taking on larger roles and more responsibility. In 2005, Angus took a job at Taylor Made as a senior Thoroughbred adviser, a position he held until his death.
Angus' accomplishments are many. He brokered the deal to buy 2009 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mine That Bird as a 2-year-old. He raised a Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner in Farda Amiga along with 2002 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) winner, Vindication.
While these achievements are impressive, his legacy in the Thoroughbred industry will be about Angus helping others achieve their dreams and goals. Angus was a tireless advocate for his clients. Horses were not a job for Angus. Horses were a way of life, and it showed in how his customers embraced him and included him in their critical decisions. Angus was also a great mentor to young people who were seeking to follow their own path in the horse business. He would take time to teach them and help them avoid mistakes that he made along the way. As young people came to Taylor Made, they would always gravitate to Angus for guidance and advice.
Despite his obsession with horses, Angus was most proud of Drew, Alexa, and his two young grandchildren. Anyone who spent much time with Angus knows that they were his pride and joy.
Angus died too soon, but he got more out of life in 60 years than most people could in 100. He lived every day with intention and passion. He set a heroic example of how to battle cancer with positivity and grace. Angus was a great friend, a great dad, a great horseman, and a great mentor.
In a post on X, Taylor Made called Angus "an incredibly smart horseman, kind to everyone he met, and a mentor to many."
The farm added, "He gave generously of his time and knowledge, always ready to tell a great story or share his wisdom—often leaving us with laughter. His presence enriched not only our team, but also our clients and the horses he oversaw. He will be deeply missed. Our hearts are with his son Drew, his wife, and their children and all those who deeply loved him as we did."
Taylor Made noted there will be a celebration of his life Sept. 3 from 3-5 p.m. at Shamrocks in Brannon Crossing in Nicholasville, Ky.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
