Lisa Underwood Young Passes

Published: December 12, 2017 12:18 pm EST

Lisa Underwood Young (Mrs. Richard Young), who served as executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and was instrumental in the legalization of historical or instant racing, passed away at home of a heart attack on Saturday, December 9 after a morning of Christmas shopping. She was 57.

Lisa was a prominent attorney specializing in data privacy and security. She served as the executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for five years. She was instrumental in hiring its first medical director; creating Instant Racing and Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund; and helping to facilitate the process of drug-testing racehorses. She received Racing Commission International’s 2009 Len Foote Award for outstanding achievements and contributions to the racing industry. She began her legal career with a large Nashville-based firm, then became partner at Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, LLP in the Lexington office. She served as Deputy Commissioner of The Department of Public Protection and was senior corporate council for Mason & Hanger Corporation from 1996 to 1999.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Richard Young; her father, former mayor pro tem Tom Underwood; her brother, Trip Underwood (Tara Rodriguez); her nephew, Lexington realtor Rusty Underwood (Rachel Underwood); her niece, HarperCollins author Kassi Underwood-Murphy (Mike Murphy) of Gloucester, MA; and her beloved dog, Darcy.

Lisa was a graduate of Sayre School, The University of the South (Sewanee), and University of Kentucky College of Law. Throughout her life, Lisa was surrounded by many dear friends. She will be remembered for her sense of humour, great laugh, and dedication to family and friends. She was a member of Idle Hour, Keeneland Club, and Christ Church Episcopal.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, December 14, 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral with interment following at the Lexington Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday, December 13, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Old Friends Farm of Georgetown, Kentucky or The Race Track Chaplaincy of America.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Lisa Underwood Young.

(Harnessracing.com)

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