July 2000
From the Executive Corner
Eddie Gregson was special to all of us. But to me, a young kid from Kentucky, who first came in contact with Eddie five years ago, he was extremely special.
I knew right from the start that Eddie really wanted me to succeed. From my first days at the CTBA, it was made known that he was always available. I took advantage of his generosity with his time, and soon our business relationship grew into a trusting friendship.
It was important to me to have such a mentor. Someone I could strive to take after. For I knew that as I gained his admiration and respect, I correspondingly achieved success in the Thoroughbred industry. I had the business background to succeed as General Manager of the CTBA, but Eddie’s guidance brought the much-needed experience to relate to those in the Horse World. He taught me the ins and outs of the auction business, and continued to stress the importance to the breeding industry of a healthy yearling market. He saw the big picture.
Eddie was a very important figurehead, not only me but also to others affiliated with the Breeders Association. His fellow directors respected him, and the staff adored him.
He was without a doubt the driving force behind the resurgence of the Del Mar Yearling Sale. Last year, through his leadership we took this sale from it’s darkest moments in 1995 to it’s highest average in over 50 years. Eddie once told me that the future of the Del Mar Sale would have a strong bearing on my success, or lack thereof, as head of the CTBA. That down the road, we would be able to look back and be proud of our hard work and hopefully, our accomplishments.
Well, through Eddie’s guidance and the perseverance of the entire staff, this unique dream and goal has come true. And while we are sitting on the brink of an unbelievable sale this year, we can be proud that we have met Eddie’s prediction. Recently, on a trip together inspecting yearlings in Oklahoma and Texas, we both acknowledged our achievements over a few glasses of wine. And for this, I will always be grateful. We were together two days prior to his passing and he was as meticulous as ever, going over every little detail of the sale. But that was typical Eddie, and I had no reason for concern. There was no hint nor gesture to show me that he was troubled.
I am going to miss the daily phone calls and gatherings at the CTBA
office. He truly touched my life. And even though I will continue to question why this happened, I will always be thankful that I had the
privilege to know him, to learn from him, and to be considered his friend.
Doug Burge
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