Jeanne Lapeyre Canty, who died Sept. 13 at age 83, was a fierce supporter of the California Thoroughbred Foundation and a huge loss to the organization. She believed strongly in the Foundation’s missions of sponsoring research and educational projects, awarding scholarships to veterinary students, and maintaining the Carleton F. Burke Memorial Library.
Mrs. Canty served as the Foundation’s president for more than a decade and continued to be active up until her death. When the Foundation trustees met via teleconference this past August, she was a vigorous contributor, concerned for every facet of the organization. She was especially proud of the scholarships, which have helped many students who have gone on to specialize in caring for Thoroughbred racehorses.
“Jeanne Canty consistently gave me caring advice about all facets of the management and mission of the Foundation when I stepped in as president,” said Mrs. Ada Gates Patton, who succeeded Mrs. Canty in that role. “Her vast knowledge of the organization and its history has been crucial to me, as has her support to the Foundation and to all of us who serve on the board.” Mrs. Canty grew up in Moorpark, Calif., as a lifelong horse enthusiast. She married trainer John Canty, who trained such fast runners as California-bred Crazy Kid and Time to Leave and died in 1992. Mrs. Canty in partnership bred several stakes winners, including Caline, winner of the 1979 Santa Susana Stakes, and she worked for many years as a bloodstock agent. On the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association board, Mrs. Canty served as secretary for several terms, chaired the legislative committee, and served on the nominating and sales committees. She sat on the CTBA board from 1988-2012.