Robert W. Copelan, DVM

A pioneer in the field of equine surgery, Dr. Robert “Bob” Copelan was one of the 11 founding members of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) at the
Brown Hotel in Louisville, Ky., in 1954. He served as its president in 1973 and continued to participate on multiple AAEP committees over the years. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Copelan has mentored many who have worked with him.

Dr. Copelan was among the pioneers of equine joint surgery in the 1960s at his hospital at Sunnyside Farm in Paris, Ky., which he owned in partnership with John Thornbury.

Even before Dr. Copelan graduated from The Ohio State University (OSU) School of Veterinary Medicine in 1953, he had begun to make a mark in racing as an exercise rider at Calumet Farm, where he was involved with breaking 1952 Kentucky Derby winner Hill Gail.

Dr. Copelan became a racetrack practitioner following graduation, traveling regularly among tracks in Florida, Kentucky and Illinois. Among the many distinguished horses entrusted to his care at Sunnyside was Susan’s Girl, who after surgery went on to become the first of her sex raced exclusively in this country to earn $1 million.

In addition to his veterinary work, Dr. Copelan for a time assisted with yearling selection for Keeneland sales; and, as an adviser, he contributed to the emergence of the late W.T. Young’s Overbrook Farm racing and breeding program.

He has long taken active roles with Thoroughbred racing issues and has served as a member of the Related Medications Committee of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council. Dr. Copelan received the OSU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1978, and was named AAEP Distinguished Live Member in 1992, honor guest of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners in 2000, and honor guest of the Thoroughbred Club of America’s 76th annual testimonial dinner in 2007. (Source)

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