2024 AHP Champion: Milton C. Toby
Milton C. Toby was awarded the 2024 AHP Champion award at the AHP Equine Media Conference in Lexington, Kentucky. His wife, Roberta Dwyer, accepted the honor on behalf of her husband, who passed away on July 24, 2023.
AHP members know Milt Toby as an author and attorney who generously donated his time and legal expertise to the AHP board and members.
In 2007, American Horse Publications created the AHP Champion Award, which is presented to individuals who are instrumental in the association’s development and growth. Collectively, the winners are known as the AHP Circle of Champions.
Milt joined AHP as an Individual member in 2010. From 2011 to 2014, he served as a director on the AHP board and was re-elected to the AHP board in 2022.
A frequent speaker on legal issues, the business of writing, and the publishing industry, his sessions were always popular at AHP conferences and webinars. He presented his final session via Zoom at the 2023 AHP conference in Tempe, Arizona. His topic was to provide copyright guidelines for freelancers on Artificial Intelligence technology.
In addition to his law degree, Milt was an award-winning freelance writer. He won the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award for Dancer’s Image: The Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby and two American Horse Publications Editorial Awards for Dancer’s Image and Noor: A Champion Thoroughbred’s Unlikely Journey from California to Kentucky. Taking Shergar: Thoroughbred Racing’s Most Famous Cold Case was named the best horse racing book at the 2019 EQUUS Film & Arts Fest and was a semi-finalist for the Dr. Tony Ryan Award. His most recent book, Unnatural Ability: The History of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Thoroughbred Racing, was published in August 2023, a month after his death.
In 2018, Milt was awarded the AHP Chris Brune Spirit Award for his spirit in supporting and protecting the association as its legal counsel. And while Milt’s spirit was tempered compared to others on the AHP Spirit Squad, never doubt that he had AHP’s best interest in mind. Behind the serious expression was a man with a true spirit of commitment, a sense of humor, and fun that those who have seen that side of his personality know existed.
Anyone involved in equine media recognizes Milt’s contributions to the industry. One AHP member wrote, “It’s hard to imagine our industry without him.” Another says, “When our industry needs a compass of integrity and excellence more than ever, I hope the youngest and oldest remember the example Milt set.”
While Milt had many interests over his lifetime, the notable ones were the Thoroughbred industry and the legal issues facing writers. He was driven to tell stories and inform readers and writers about important issues.
AHP members benefited from his knowledge and friendship. He was a true AHP Champion.