While Brad H. Cox may be the face of racing greatness on Derby Day, but standing behind the scenes is someone vital to his journey—his wife, Livia Frazar. A licensed racetrack veterinarian, Frazar’s career is built around the same horses her husband trains. From Churchill Downs to Fair Grounds, she delivers expert medical care to thoroughbreds competing at the highest level. But her role goes far beyond a professional title.

Livia works closely with Cox’s stable, contributing not just medical expertise but a shared vision for what makes a champion. The synergy between trainer and vet has elevated Brad’s barn to elite status in American horse racing. And through it all, the couple has nurtured a shared love for the sport and each other.

Theirs is a rare professional and personal alignment, built on communication, respect, and late nights checking on horses. Livia isn’t just treating racehorses—she’s part of every win, every comeback, and every story. It’s a quiet but powerful presence that holds everything together in Cox’s high-stakes world.

A love story that started with two horses

Their journey began in 2011 at Oaklawn Park during a rocky stretch in Cox’s career. At the time, Cox was down to just two claiming horses in his barn. Livia, a racetrack veterinarian with her own reputation, met him during this time. The connection clicked quickly—rooted in resilience, long hours of hard work, and a deep bond with horses.

Two years later, in September 2013, they tied the knot. Together, they’ve raised a family that blends seamlessly into their work. Cox has two sons, Blake and Bryson, from a previous marriage who now help in the barn. Livia and Brad also have a younger son, Brodie, making the Cox family a true team effort both at home and at the track.

What makes their story resonate is how they rose together. From treating underdog horses to raising Derby contenders, Livia and Brad built a life that reflects the grit and love they pour into racing. Their partnership grew not from luxury, but from shared struggles and unwavering belief in each other.

What is Livia Frazar’s profession

Livia Frazar isn’t just married to the job—she lives it. Working under Equine Medicine & Surgery, her practice involves overseeing the health of elite racehorses. Her office may be a stall, and her schedule runs seven days a week, but it’s a life she embraces with a solid purpose.

Her insight into equine health not only supports Cox’s training strategy but also keeps the horses at peak performance through grueling seasons. It’s a balance of science, intuition, and relentless dedication.

Beyond diagnostics and treatments, she plays a critical role in injury prevention and rehabilitation—key components to keeping a stable of over 100 horses running strong. In a sport where every second matters, Livia’s medical decisions often shape the future of a contender’s career.

More than just a partner

Ask Brad Cox about his rise to the top, and he won’t just list wins and stats. He’ll talk about his team—and Livia is at the heart of it. Whether it’s providing a second opinion on a horse’s soundness or helping manage emergencies on the road, she is as crucial to the operation as any assistant trainer or exercise rider.

“She doesn’t let anything stop us,” Frazar once said, referencing their early days of struggle. Her belief in Cox never wavered, even when the odds weren’t in his favor. That mindset has helped the Cox stable go from two horses to over 150 and win countless accolades, including multiple Eclipse Awards and Breeders’ Cup races.

Her presence also fosters a sense of stability and trust within the barn. In a world of unpredictable outcomes, Livia is Brad’s constant—reminding him of how far they’ve come and keeping him grounded amid the whirlwind of national racing circuits.

Livia Frazar may not be in the winner’s circle for the cameras, but she’s there in every stride those horses take. Together, she and Brad Cox embody the grit, sacrifice, and shared ambition that horse racing demands. Their story is one of mutual respect and relentless pursuit—not just of titles, but of a life built on passion and purpose.

In a sport often spotlighting lone heroes, the Cox family reminds us that behind every great trainer is often someone just as extraordinary keeping the heart of the stable beating strong.

For Brad Cox, racing is a lifestyle—but it’s one that wouldn’t run half as smoothly without Livia’s strength, vision, and quiet determination behind the scenes.