Susan Casner, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, accomplished owner and breeder, and treasured member of the Thoroughbred community, died May 27 following a battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by the love of the family and friends who defined her life.
Born in Grand Island, Neb., Casner's journey in racing began at Ak-Sar-Ben Racetrack in Omaha, where she worked as a mutuel clerk. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bill Casner, who made a habit of placing wagers at the window staffed by the prettiest clerk on the grounds. Bill asked Susan out several times before she finally accepted. Once she did, they were off to the races together, beginning a partnership that would span decades and leave an indelible mark on the Thoroughbred industry.
The early years were filled with hard work, long miles, and adventure. Bill trained and galloped the horses, while Susan was a trusted partner who did whatever was needed—groom, hotwalker, or be an assistant. They traveled the country with a small racing stable, building a life around the horses they loved. For six years, they chased dreams from racetrack to racetrack before settling near Dallas after the births of their daughters, Kayce and Karri.
The move brought stability, but horses never left their hearts. Upon finding success in business, the Casners invested most of their life savings partnering with longtime friend Kenny Troutt in founding Excel Communications. Their chance to reenter the Thoroughbred industry was born from the fruit of that wise bet. In 2000, Bill Casner and Troutt co-founded WinStar Farm, which would grow into one of the most influential breeding and racing operations in North America.
Susan Casner's presence could be felt throughout WinStar's rise. She celebrated the victories, welcomed visitors, championed the horses, and embraced the people who made the farm special. Grade 2 winner Sharp Susan was her namesake, and she was among those at the center of the celebrations when WinStar's Super Saver captured the 2010 Kentucky Derby (G1).
As an owner and breeder, Susan Casner achieved success at the highest levels of racing. Her accomplishments included breeding and owning 2009 Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Well Armed, and 2008 Travers Stakes (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Colonel John, among numerous stakes performers carrying the WinStar colors.
Perhaps no horse better illustrated Casner's remarkable instincts than Sweet Damsel.
During a late session of the 2001 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Casner spotted the daughter of Turkoman walking through the back ring. Although the mare lacked the fashionable pedigree page that often commands attention, Casner saw something others did not. She turned to Bill and insisted they needed to own the mare. After Sweet Damsel failed to meet her reserve at $64,000, the Casners negotiated a private purchase and brought her home to WinStar.
Sweet Damsel developed into a multiple graded stakes producer, with Colonel John emerging as her most accomplished runner. For family and friends, the story became one of Casner's signature moments—a reflection of her intuition, horsemanship, and unwavering confidence in her own judgment.
That legacy continues today. Casner bred this year's Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) winner Albus, while one of her greatest commercial breeding successes came in 2024 when a colt by Not This Time out of Kayce Ace sold for $3.4 million during Fasig-Tipton's The Saratoga Sale, its select yearling sale in New York. Bought by Zedan Racing and now named Faran, the colt Casner bred traces directly to Sweet Damsel, keeping alive the family that began with her inspired purchase nearly a quarter century ago.
Beyond her achievements in racing and breeding, Casner was deeply committed to the people who make the sport possible. She generously supported organizations including Race for Education and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, believing strongly in giving back to the industry that had given so much to her family.
Those who knew Casner remember far more about her than her Thoroughbred industry successes. They remember her ever-present smile, her warmth, her generosity, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether speaking with owners, farm employees, sales staff, horsemen, or backstretch workers, Casner treated everyone with the same kindness and respect.
While horses were one of the great passions of her life, her greatest joy was always her family.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Bill; her daughter, Kayce Anderson, and son-in-law, Clark Anderson; and her beloved grandchildren, Blu Anderson and Rayne Anderson. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karri Casner.
From Ak-Sar-Ben to Churchill Downs, and across countless farms, racetracks, and sales grounds in between, Susan Casner left an impression that will not soon fade. Her accomplishments as an owner and breeder secured her place within the Thoroughbred industry, but her true legacy lives in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched with grace, humility, kindness, and love.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to For the Good at forthegood.org or to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at trfinc.org in honor of Casner.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
