Obituary of Donna R. Lee

Donna Lee passed away peacefully on the evening of February 19 at the Ephraim McDowell hospital in Danville, KY after a courageous battle with health issues over the past few years. To a woman as successful as she, in what through her lifetime was largely a man’s business, fighting adversity was something with which Donna Lee was well acquainted. Born on September 5 of 1952 in Fairfield, IL, Donna Lee was a highly regarded horsewoman who had a knack for horses that required a little “TLC” to excel, competing on a high level during a time when Illinois racing was at its best. Early on, Donna raced a small stable between Quad City Downs and Fairmount Park where she won an all-women’s driving club race and captured the UDRS training title at Quad City in 1990. With the closure of Quad City in 1993 Donna, along with her son Peter who did the shoeing and some driving before enlisting in the US Army, moved operations to the Chicagoland tracks where she sent out state champions like Chicago Jazz and Havana. As the future of racing in Chicago became more uncertain, Donna left her home state to join forces with her son Tony Alagna, upon whom her love of horses and harness racing had a tremendous impact. She would play a vital role in one of the top stables competing on the Grand Circuit. Perhaps Donna’s greatest contribution was affording Tony the opportunity to remain state-side with one division of the stable while confidently sending many of his best horses to Canada for Grand Circuit stakes. Under Donna's hand, the Canadian division of the Alagna barn would win three Breeders Crowns (Ramona Hill, Reflect With Me and American History), back to back Canadian Trotting Classics with Ahundredollarbill and Slay, the Metro with Exploit and a Peaceful Way with Ramona Hill. Along with those accomplishments, Donna particularly enjoyed having a role in the development of Hambletonian winner Ramona Hill and a few of her personal favorites including world record holder Dr J Hanover and million-dollar winner Caprice Hill. Dogs were always a part of the family and in later years the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tess and Freckles were her constant companions. Donna also encouraged Tony’s love of the Morgan Show Horse and together they sent out a world champion named Akira Hamilton in 2023. Time off for Donna Lee meant time on horseback, her great affection for trail riding and the endurance ride serving as her favored form of relaxation. Land Between The Lakes near Paducah, KY was a favorite spot to join friends for camping and a ride to celebrate Donna's life at that location is in the planning stages for later this Spring. Donna leaves behind loving sons Tony and Peter and grandson Cameron. Donna, Tony and Pete have been united in the racing operation these past few seasons since Pete’s retirement from the Sheriff’s Office in Chicago. Donna and Pete joined in operating the family training center in Harrodsburg, KY while Tony remained at the New Jersey farm these past few winters. A Gathering of Family and Friends for Donna Lee will be Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, between the hours of 1-4 at Ransdell Funeral Chapel located in Harrodsburg KY. Any memorial contribution can be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation in her name. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family on Donna’s Tribute Wall at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com.