Arthur B. Hancock III | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1943-02-22)February 22, 1943 (age 82) |
| Occupation | Thoroughbred racehorse owner/breeder |
| Spouse | Staci |
| Children | Son: Arthur IV Daughters: Alex, Hutchi, Kate, Lynn, Walker |
| Parent(s) | Arthur B. Hancock, Jr. Waddell Walker |
Arthur Boyd Hancock III (born February 22, 1943, inNashville, Tennessee) is an Americanowner ofThoroughbredracehorses, the owner ofStone Farm, a 2,000 acre (8 km2)horse breeding operation inParis, Kentucky, and a composer ofBluegrass music.
Hancock is a member of one of the pre-eminent American horse racing families. His grandfather,Arthur B. Hancock (1875–1957), foundedClaiborne Farm, his father,Arthur B. "Bull " Hancock, Jr. (1910–1972), expanded the business to where it is considered the most important breeding farm in the U.S. during the 20th century and whose sales and influence also impactedEuropean racing.[1]
After graduating fromVanderbilt University, Hancock moved to theNew York City area where he worked as an apprentice under future Hall of Fame trainerEdward A. Neloy. While Hancock's younger brotherSeth would eventually take over the running of Claiborne Farm, Hancock built Stone Farm into a respected and successful breeding and racing operation which earned the family its first ever win in theKentucky Derby. In partnership with one of his longtime clients,Manhattan real estate brokerLeone J. Peters, he bred and racedGato Del Sol who won the 1982 Derby.[2] He and Peters also teamed up to breedRisen Star, winner of the 1988Preakness andBelmont Stakes.
ThroughH-G-W Partners, Hancock owned and raced 1989U.S. Horse of the YearSunday Silence whose wins included the Kentucky Derby,Preakness Stakes, andBreeders' Cup Classic. Hancock also co-bred the 2000 Kentucky Derby winnerFusaichi Pegasus. He has also raced in partnershipKentucky Oaks winnerGoodbye Halo andBlue Grass Stakes /Haskell Invitational Handicap winnerMenifee.
A member ofThe Jockey Club, in September 1996, Hancock was elected to theboard of directors ofFasig-Tipton Co.
Hancock is a devotee of Bluegrass music and has written songs which have been recorded by artists such asGrandpa Jones,Willie Nelson andRay Price.[3]
He lives at Stone Farm in Paris, Kentucky with his wife Staci and their six children.