Former lawmaker, longtime horseman Fred Bradley dies

Fred Bradley, a former Kentucky lawmaker and longtime thoroughbred breeder whose stakes winners included champion female sprinter Groupie Doll, has died. He was 85.

Bradley's son, thoroughbred trainer William "Buff" Bradley, said his father died Friday in Wilmore, Kentucky, following a long illness.

Bradley's multifaceted career included a successful law practice and a long involvement with the military, where he rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Air National Guard.

Bradley's Indian Ridge Farm in central Kentucky produced such standout thoroughbreds as two-time Eclipse Award winner Groupie Doll and Brass Hat, a Grade I winner.

"That was his passion - working on his farm and raising thoroughbred race horses and racing them," his son said Saturday.

Groupie Doll had the most distinguished career of Bradley's horses, winning the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in 2012 and 2013.

She was an Eclipse Award winner both years as the champion female sprinter.

Brass Hat, a gelding, won multiple stakes races including the Grade I Donn Handicap in 2006.

Bradley's career as a horse owner and breeder spanned several decades.

His love of horses included his entries in much less-lucrative races, said his son, who is based at Churchill Downs much of the year and also races in Florida.

"If they performed to the best of their ability and that's what they were, he was proud of them," his son said.

Bradley's tenure as a member of the Kentucky Senate spanned much of the 1980s and 1990s and included a leadership stint as Senate Democratic whip. Known for his booming baritone voice, Bradley's district included Franklin and surrounding counties.

"The reason that he was very well liked is that he always kept in contact with his constituents," Buff Bradley said. "He returned every phone call."

Fred Bradley was raised in Providence in western Kentucky.

His funeral will be held Wednesday at Church of the Ascension in Frankfort.