‘Integrity With Dignity Is Everything’: Pillar Of The Turf Inductee Arthur Hancock III Talks Racing’s Reputation originally appeared on Paulick Report.

Arthur Hancock III, owner of Stone Farm in Kentucky, and from the venerable Thoroughbred breeding family that operates Claiborne Farm, was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as a Pillar Of The Turf on Aug. 1.

In his acceptance speech in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Hancock shared commentary about horse racing and public opinion.

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“How we treat the horse is a reflection on our industry and on each one of us,” said Hancock to the induction ceremony crowd. “If it is perceived that he is treated badly, the public will lose interest and walk away. Integrity with dignity is everything in our sport.

“I would like to pay tribute to my father, Bull Hancock, for imparting to me a deep respect and admiration for the horse and a love of the game. He always said, ‘Work hard, be honest, and remember that you have one reputation and once it’s gone, it’s gone.’ I think Thoroughbred racing would be wise to remember his words.”

Hancock, 83, was born in Nashville, Tenn. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Hancock moved to the New York City area, where he worked for a year as an apprentice under future Hall of Fame trainer Edward A. Neloy. He then returned to Claiborne as the assistant broodmare and yearling manager under the tutelage of his father. While Hancock’s younger brother, Seth, would eventually take over the running of Claiborne Farm, Arthur went out on his own, leasing 100 acres and launching Stone Farm into a premier breeding and racing operation, which earned the family its first win in the Kentucky Derby.

In partnership with one of his longtime clients, Manhattan real estate broker Leone J. Peters, Hancock bred and raced Gato Del Sol, who won the 1982 Derby. Hancock and Peters also teamed up to breed Risen Star, winner of the 1988 Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. With trainer Charlie Whittingham, Dr. Ernest Gaillard and Zenya Yoshida, Hancock co-owned and raced Hall of Fame member and 1989 Horse of the Year Sunday Silence, whose wins included the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Classic. Sunday Silence stood at Yoshida’s Shadai Stallion Station in Japan and his accomplishments as a breed shaping stallion were recognized during the Hall of Fame ceremonies by the president of the Japan Racing Association.

Hancock also co-bred 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus. Hancock raised and sold a second Horse of the Year, Bricks and Mortar (2019), who was campaigned by Klaravich Stables. He has also raced in partnership Kentucky Oaks winner Goodbye Halo and Blue Grass Stakes and Haskell Invitational winner Menifee, among others.

In 2020, Hancock was selected as the Thoroughbred Club of America’s Honor Guest. Stone Farm, meanwhile, has grown into more than 2,200 acres and has produced more than 200 stakes winners.

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In his capacity as an industry leader, Hancock has served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, as a director of Keeneland Association and Fasig-Tipton Company, and as a member of The Jockey Club. Hancock’s leadership has been especially visible in fostering integrity in racing. He co-founded the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA), a group dedicated to eliminating performance-enhancing drugs in racing. WHOA was influential in the eventual establishment of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). An avid supporter of racehorse aftercare, Hancock is also a devotee of Bluegrass music and has written songs that have been recorded by artists such as Grandpa Jones, Willie Nelson, and Ray Price. He released an autobiography in 2024 titled Dark Horses: A Memoir of Redemption.

This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.