Arthur B. Hancock III died peacefully earlier today at his home at Stone Farm near Paris, Ky., with family by his side. He had waged a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Arthur made his mark in the horse industry in so many ways – as a Thoroughbred owner, breeder and consignor and more importantly as someone who fought tirelessly for a cleaner, drug-free sport. He and wife Staci were the heart and soul of the Water Hay Oats Alliance, pushing for national medication policies that came to fruition with the creation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
His impact was worldwide; selling Sunday Silence to Zenya Yoshida's Shadai Farm when American breeders showed little interest in breeding to the 1989 Horse of the Year reshaped Japan's Thoroughbred industry, helping make it a global force.
Arthur was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame last year as a Pillar of the Turf, a most deserved honor. He'll be inducted posthumously in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame next month. He loved family, horses and music, a pretty solid trifecta.
Staci Hancock said arrangements will be forthcoming. Condolences to his family and his many friends throughout the world.