Diane Perkins, a distinguished Thoroughbred breeder and trainer from the renowned Phipps family, passed away at 89 on August 6. Born in Great Britain and raised between the U.S. and France, she developed a lifelong passion for horsemanship, competing internationally in dressage before moving into breeding and training. Alongside her husband Peter Perkins, she established successful breeding operations in Argentina and Kentucky, notably Wimborne Farm, which produced numerous graded stakes winners including Better Talk Now, Honey Ryder, and Lord At War. Perkins was celebrated for her deep knowledge, compassion for horses, and commitment to breeding classic racehorses, earning multiple industry honors such as the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association’s Breeder of the Year award.

After her husband’s death, Perkins took over training duties, achieving significant success with homebred horses like Lasting Approval. Known for her hands-on approach and high standards, she emphasized understanding and rewarding horses, valuing their temperament over pedigree alone. Despite downsizing her operations in the early 2000s, she remained active in breeding, particularly in Argentina, influencing the careers of horses like Kasaqui and Kansas Cat. Remembered as humble and generous, Perkins was affectionately known as “Mrs. P” and respected for her integrity, kindness, and lifelong dedication to the Thoroughbred industry.