Thomas "Tom" Clay Dixon, 94, the insurance adjuster on the scene the evening of Nov. 13, 1990, at Calumet Farm when prominent stallion Alydar broke his leg, died at his home in Lexington Nov. 6.
Dixon, the preferred adjuster through 1980s-90s in Central Kentucky for Lloyd's of London, also handled the claim for 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, but he would remain involved in Alydar's case for a decade. Controversy surrounded the stallion's death, which occurred when Calumet, at the time owned by the heirs of Lucille Parker Wright Markey and managed by the late J.T. Lundy, was spiraling toward bankruptcy. The farm's financial stress and suspicious circumstances leading up to the day Alydar was injured prompted speculation of insurance fraud, investigated most prominently in Ann Hagedorn Auerbach's book Wild Ride.
Dixon remained steadfast through the years that Alydar's injury was the result of an accident related to the horse getting his hind leg caught in a gap between a wall and stall door. He gave testimony during an Oct. 19, 2000, sentencing hearing of Lundy and former Calumet chief financial officer Gary Matthews, who were convicted on federal charges related to bank fraud. At the hearing, federal prosecutors attempted to hold Lundy responsible for Alydar's death. Dixon relayed with great emotion during the hearing about how Lundy pleaded with veterinarians to save the stallion. U.S. District Court Judge Sim Lake eventually concluded that "despite some physical evidence and circumstances surrounding the event that were suspicious, I am not able to conclude by the preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Lundy is responsible."
Dixon shared his experience in a long-form piece published by BloodHorse in July 2000.
A Lexington native, Dixon was born April 22, 1931, to parents Richard and Ella Dixon.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and shortly after his discharge, married Ruth Ann Freeman. They raised five children together, and Tom worked two jobs so that Ruth could stay home. In August 2025, they celebrated their 68th anniversary.
After completing a correspondence course to learn the insurance industry, Dixon gained some experience, then landed a position with the state’s Department of Insurance. Years later, he founded Dixon Adjusters, working claims on horses with insurance underwritten by Lloyd’s of London.
After Dixon’s retirement in 1996, he volunteered with Baptist Health Hospital, Radio Eye, and Sweet Blessings, and served as a tutor for Real Men Read.
Dixon's family said he will be remembered as having never met a stranger, for his engaging storytelling, his inquisitive mind, and his kindness and generosity.
He was preceded in death by his son, David T. Dixon, and sister Mary Jo Sharp (Russell, deceased). He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Freeman Dixon; daughters, M. Claire Sale (Ron, deceased); Linda A. Heaslet (Bob); Mary E. Whitley (Jody); and Barbara R. Rehmel (Steven); brother Donald L. Dixon (Jane); along with eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
