Keeneland Magazine Spring 2020 Edition by Keeneland

KEENELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AUCTION TEAM

ARTHUR HANCOCK III

SECRETARIAT: LARGER THAN LIFE

K EENELAND SPRING 2020

celebrating bluegrass traditions

U.S. $5.00 (CAN. $7.50)

KEENELAND.COM

THERE’S NO CANCER WE CAN’T FACE TOGETHER. Cordia Parker. Lung cancer survivor. When Cordia Parker’s primary care physician noticed shadows on her lung scan, Cordia asked for a referral to CHI Saint Joseph Health. After a biopsy, the 67-year old, former smoker was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Fortunately, after working for Saint Joseph Hospital for more than 40 years, Cordia knew she was in expert hands. Her cancer care team set out a chemotherapy and radiation plan built specifically for her. Now, Cordia calls the wonderful people from CHI Saint Joseph - Cancer Care her second family. Call 859.313.HOPE or visit CHISaintJosephHealth.org/Hope to learn more.

CALLED TO SERVE.

Filly ex. EASTER LILY bred by China Horse Club

Filly ex. BYE BYE BABY bred by Reiko & Michael Baum

Filly ex. RUBILINDA bred by Don Alberto Corporation

Filly ex. CROWLEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LAW bred by Ballylinch Stud

Filly ex. DIAMONDSANDRUBIES bred by Premier Bloodstock

Colt ex. DRAMATICALLY bred by Coolmore Partners

Filly ex. CALEDONIA ROAD bred by the Grand Farm Family

Colt ex. STAYCLASSYSANDIEGO bred by Nancy Shuford

THE ONLY UNDEFEATED TRIPLE CROWN WINNER EVER!

Aisling Duignan, Dermot Ryan, Charlie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor, Adrian Wallace, Robyn Murray or Blaise Benjamin. Tel: 859-873-7088. Fax: 859-879 5756.

Contents Contents SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020

F EAT U R ES

44 ARTHURIAN LEGEND by Lenny Shulman Arthur Hancock III, who has always done things his way, prepares the next generation of his family to guide Stone Farm.

62 UNFORGETTABLE

110 VERY BIG RED

PERFORMANCES by Tom Pedulla Keeneland’s 2015 Breeders’ Cup winners left indelible memories.

76 LONE STAR LEGACIES by Edward L. Bowen Since the last century, Texas horsemen have staked their claims in the Bluegrass.

92 25 & STILL HOPPING

by Maryjean Wall Sculptor Jocelyn Russell put heart and soul into capturing the essence of Secretariat.

120 CARSON’S FINDS A WINNING RECIPE by Patti Nickell This popular downtown restaurant offers a sophisticated yet accessible experience.

ON OUR COVER Springtime, Keeneland Watercolor, 14 x 21, by Sandra Oppegard

by Vickie Mitchell LexArts’ Hop highlights local artists and lets the community connect with Lexington’s creative spirit.

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A graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, Sandra Oppegard worked as a freelance illustrator for 23 years for clients such as Max Factor, Redken, Giorgio, and Mattel Toys. Her knowledge of Thoroughbred racing, gleaned from years spent watching her husband train racehorses and traveling with him to tracks around the country, imbues her equine scenes with authenticity. Oppegard has exhibited widely and has won numerous awards.

110

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Contents SPRING 2020

132

D E PA R T M E N T S PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 12 • CONTRIBUTORS 14 • CALENDAR 16 • NEWS 18 • CONNECTIONS 24

28 SPOTLIGHT ON Keeneland’s auction team is committed to excellence. by Liane Crossley

132 MAKING A DIFFERENCE Stewart Home & School celebrates lifelong learning. by Robin Roenker

146 KEENELAND TEAM PROFILE Building Services

28 8

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C ASTLETON L YONS

offers a unique opportunity for serious breeders to board their thoroughbreds. Here you will find a state of the art facility with old world charm. Over one thousand acres of lightly grazed lush pasture supported by the best quality soil, so famous for producing great race horses, await your thoroughbred investments.

Individual detailed oriented attention for horse and client in a top class environment can be found conveniently located within minutes of the Bluegrass Airport, Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, and the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best equine hospitals. Completing our facility is an isolation farm annex settled on approximately one hundred acres, directly across the road on scenic Mt. Horeb Pike. We would be delighted to hear from you | Please contact PAT HAYES

Inquiries to Pat Hayes: 2469 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 455-9222 Fax (859) 455-8892 www.castletonlyons.com

K EENELAND celebrating bluegrass traditions

The offi cial magazine of Keeneland Association, Inc. published by Blood-Horse LLC 821 Corporate Dr., Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 278-2361/FAX (859) 276-4450 KeenelandMagazine.com BloodHorse.com

Editor: Jacqueline Duke Artists: Catherine Nichols (Art Director), David Young, Claudia Summers Copy Editors: Tom Hall (chief), Rena Baer Visuals Director: Anne M. Eberhardt Creative Services: Jennifer Singleton (Director), Forrest Begley Account Executive: Amanda Ramey Chief Copywriter: Paul Gregory Sales Support: Catherine Johnston CORPORATE OPERATIONS Circulation Accounting Manager: Lauren Glover General Manager: Scott Carling PUBLISHED BY Blood-Horse LLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS James L. Gagliano, Carl Hamilton, Ian D. Highet, Stuart S. Janney III, Dan Metzger, Rosendo Parra, Dr. J. David Richardson

To order Keeneland magazine and additional copies, call 1-800-582-5604 TO SUBSCRIBE OR TO SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION to Keeneland magazine, visit BloodHorse.com/KeenelandOffer

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Adena Springs Kentucky GHOSTZAPPER MACHO UNO MUCHO MACHO MAN POINT OF ENTRY SHAMAN GHOST

GHOSTZAPPER sire of 2 G1 winners in 2019

Inquiries to Donald Wells (859) 470-9963 Ken Wilkins (859) 699-4887 www.AdenaStallions.com | (859) 987-1798

president’s message SPRING 2020

Painting the Town Purple

It seems like yesterday that Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was racing down the Keeneland stretch in front of thousands of cheering fans en route to winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic and making history as the sport’s first “Grand Slam” winner. Although just five years have passed since Keeneland hosted its inaugural Breeders’ Cup World Championships, it has been far too long for a city that can’t get enough of Thoroughbred racing. Even with the Nov. 6-7 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland still months away, the excitement is already palpable, and the support of Central Kentucky is unmatched. For the Thoroughbred industry, having the pinnacle of horse racing occurring at Keeneland is the ultimate homecoming. In a community like ours, everyone shares that sentiment. As I reflect on Keeneland’s preparation to host this year’s Breeders’ Cup, I find a few parallels with how my wife, Barbara, and I prepare for visits from our children and grandchildren. We fervently prep rooms, set out Pack ’n Plays and other toys, coordinate visits with the many people who want to see them, and pull out all the stops to be certain no need is unmet upon their arrival. We have lived our entire lives to make the memories we will create during

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those visits, and we want to celebrate every moment we are together. Although the Breeders’ Cup is on a much grander scale, Keeneland follows a similar routine when preparing to welcome the world for this event. The horses traveling here to race are coming home. They are like our children and grandchildren who BILL THOMASON were born here in Central Kentucky. For President and CEO months we will be preparing our grounds and building additional facilities as we anxiously await the arrival of the many fans. Also, we will pull out all the stops to be certain no need is unmet — for you, our fans, and especially for our athletes. The memories that will be made during this November weekend will be ones worth waiting for, and they will also be a testament to the effort of the many dedicated members of this industry. As we prepare to welcome the world again this November, rest assured that no two entities have been stronger partners than the Breeders’ Cup and Keeneland. Faced with the scrutiny of racing and the concern about illness around the world, both of these organizations take great pride in our value of full transparency. We continue to push the envelope, step out of comfort zones, and do what is necessary to ensure our sport is safe and will be enjoyed into the future. As Breeders’ Cup countdown clocks are being raised across Lexington, projects are well underway on Keeneland’s grounds. Before long, we will be painting the town Breeders’ Cup purple. However, Keeneland green won’t take a backseat quite yet. The spring race meet, held April 2-24, is just weeks away, and we look forward to seeing all of you. KM

WE STAND FOR

EXPERIENCE For over 40 years, Lane’s End has helped shape the sport of Thoroughbred racing through our proven stallion formula and roster of legendary sires. Our experienced, passionate horsemen and horsewomen are driven by one mission: helping our partners achieve their breeding, sales and racing goals across the globe. This is what we stand for.

Contributors SPRING 2020

1591 Winchester Rd. Ste. 103 Lexington, KY 40505 (859) 303.7009 • www.DogwoodHomeFurnishings.com

EDWARD L. BOWEN

TOM PEDULLA

(Lone Star Legacies) is the former president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. He is a former editor-in-chief of BloodHorse and has authored 21 books about Thoroughbred racing and breeding. His latest book is The Lucky Thirteen, about the Triple Crown winners.

(Unforgettable Performances) is a freelance writer who has covered every Triple Crown race since 1998 and every Breeders’ Cup from 1998 through 2015. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and USA Today among other major outlets. He co-authored Against the Odds: Riding for My Life, the autobiography of Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey.

LIANE CROSSLEY

KENTUCKY’S WINNING TRIFECTA for American-made home furnishings, accessories, and design services

(Auction Excellence) has spent her career in Thoroughbred racing-related jobs in barns, press boxes, and offices. A seasonal member of Keeneland’s media team, she has had her work appear in BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form, Thoroughbred Daily News, Breeders’ Cup website, Horse Illustrated, European Bloodstock News, and Young Rider.

VICKIE MITCHELL (25 & Still Hopping) writes for regional and national publications as well as for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. She lives and works in Lexington.

PATTI NICKELL (Carson’s Finds a Winning Recipe) is a freelance travel writer whose work has appeared in major newspapers and national magazines. She currently writes travel articles for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

AMY OWENS (Keeneland News/ Connections) is Keeneland Communications Associate. PRIVATE AP P P O I N T M E N TS & S H I P P I N G WO R L D W ID E @ DO G WO O DH O M E F U R N I S H I N G S

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ROBIN ROENKER (A School To Call Home) is a freelance writer and frequent Keeneland magazine contributor who writes for many Kentucky-based and national publications.

LENNY SHULMAN (Arthurian Legend) is a senior correspondent for BloodHorse magazine and is the author of Justify: 111 Days to Triple Crown Glory (Triumph Books) and Ride of Their Lives: The Trials and Turmoil of Today’s Top Jockeys.

MARYJEAN WALL (Really Big Red) won multiple Eclipse Awards during 35 years as Turf writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. In addition to Madam Belle: Sex, Money, and Influence in a Southern Brothel, she is the author of How Kentucky Became Southern: A Tale of Outlaws, Horse Thieves, Gamblers, and Breeders. She holds a doctorate from the University of Kentucky.

Calendar SUN

MON

APRIL TUE

WED

THU

FRI

1 Palisades Turf Sprint

5 Appalachian Presented by Japan Racing Association Beaumont Presented by Keeneland Select 12

6 Keeneland April sale preview

APRIL 3-24 Gates open: 11 a.m. First race: 1:05 p.m.

17 Baird Doubledogdare

Toyota Blue Grass Central Bank Ashland Madison Commonwealth Shakertown

APRIL 2 Gates open: 1 p.m. First race: 3 p.m.

Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stonestreet Lexington Ben Ali Giant’s Causeway

Maker’s Mark Mile TVG Limestone Turf Sprint

Easter

Keeneland April sale

SAT

3 Kentucky Utilities Transylvania

SPRING MEET

18 Elkhorn

Bewitch

MARCH

APRIL

Official KeenelandTours. See Keeneland.com/tours for more information

March 3-26 – Keeneland Hiring Center, North Grandstand (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

April 2 – Spring race meet begins; $100,000 Palisades Turf Sprint for 3YO (turf); Jockey Autograph Signing; Central BankThursday Night Live

March 18 – Late nominations due for theToyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) and Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) March 21 – Keeneland Kids Club Easter Egg Hunt, Keeneland Entertainment Center March 23 – Keeneland Job Fair, North Grandstand March 24 – Keeneland Library Lecture Series with Virginia Slachman, author of Blood in the Bluegrass March 30 – Phone lines open for spring meet public and Keeneland Club reservations. (859) 288-4200 from 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.

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April 3 – $150,000 Kentucky UtilitiesTransylvania Stakes (G3T) for 3YO (turf); College Scholarship Day April 4 – $1 millionToyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) for 3YO; $500,000 Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) for 3YO fi llies; $300,000 Madison Stakes (G1) for older fi llies and mares; $250,000 Commonwealth Stakes (G3) for older horses; $200,000 Shakertown Stakes (G2T), 3YO and up (turf); Sunrise Trackside—Breakfast with the Works (7-8:30 a.m.), children’s activities in the Kids Club Corner (7:30-9:30 a.m.), guided walking tours (7:30-10 a.m.) and paddock demonstration (9 a.m.)

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MARK MAHAN

MAY April 5 – $200,000 Appalachian Stakes (G2T) Presented by Japan Racing Association for 3YO fi llies (turf); $150,000 Beaumont Stakes (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select for 3YO fi llies; Kids Club Family Day April 6 – Keeneland April sale preview April 7 – Keeneland April sale April 8 – Wear Red Day April 10 – $300,000 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1T) for older horses (turf); $100,000TVG LimestoneTurf Sprint for 3YO fillies April 11 – $350,000 Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1T) for older fi llies and mares (turf); $200,000 Stonestreet Lexington (G3) for 3YO; $200,000 Ben Ali Stakes (G3) for older horses; $100,000 Giant’s Causeway Stakes (L) for older fi llies and mares (turf); Sunrise Trackside (see April 4 schedule)

April 12 – Easter; Keeneland is closed April 14 – Keeneland Library Lecture Series with Patrick Gilligan, author of Around Kentucky with the Bug April 17 – $100,000 Baird Doubledogdare Stakes (G3) for older fi llies and mares April 18 – $250,000 Elkhorn Stakes (G2T), for older horses (turf); Sunrise Trackside (see April 4 schedule); Keeneland $400 Spring Challenge handicapping tournament April 19 – Military Day at the Races; Grade One Gamble handicapping contest April 23 – Horses and Hope Pink Day April 24 – $150,000 Bewitch Stakes (G3T) for older fi llies and mares (turf); spring race meet concludes

Official KeenelandTours. See Keeneland.com/tours for more information May 1 – September yearling sale entries close May 1 – Kentucky Oaks (G1) simulcast at Keeneland May 2 – Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) simulcast at Keeneland May 5 – Keeneland Library Lecture Series with Mark Schrager and Diane Crump on the 50th anniversary of Crump’s pioneering ride in the Kentucky Derby May 16 – Preakness (G1) simulcast at Red Mile

Where Dreams Come True Fast Anna Funtastic Gun Runner Palace Malice Sharp Aztea Sky Mesa Strong Mandate Will Take Charge

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) Winner Structor, from the ﬁrst crop of Classic Winner Palace Malice, was bred and raised by Three Chimneys.

Keeneland News SPRING 2020

COMPILED BY AMY OWENS

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

Thoroughbred Safety Coalition Announced

SPRING MEET STAKES WORTH SEASON RECORD $4.8 MILLION

eeneland’s stakes schedule for the 2020 spring meet, which covers 16 days of racing from April 2-24, features 18 stakes anchored by the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) and $500,000 Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) and is worth a season-record $4.8 million in purse money. The purses of three stakes have increased: Maker’s Mark Mile (G1T), boosted by $100,000 to $400,000, and Baird Doubledogdare Stakes (G3) and Giant’s Causeway Stakes (L) each enhanced by $50,000 to $150,000. For the second consecutive year the spring meet will open on Thursday with a 3 p.m. first post. Following the races is the second Central Bank Thursday Night Live. During the remainder of the season, first post is 1:05 p.m. Keeneland is closed Easter, April 12. “We are delighted to offer the purse increases, especially for the Maker’s Mark Mile (formerly the Maker’s 46 Mile), which further emphasizes the race’s significance among turf stars early in the season,” Keeneland President

SPRING 2020

and CEO Bill Thomason said. Keeneland will present 10 stakes on grass and eight on dirt while showcasing multiple stakes on the first two Saturdays of the season. Two nationally prominent classic preps will be contested opening Saturday, April 4, with the 96th Toyota Blue Grass and 83rd Central Bank Ashland. The two races are worth 100 points each to the winners on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively. Also on April 4 are the $300,000 Madison Stakes (G1), $200,000 Shakertown Stakes (G2T), and $250,000 Commonwealth Stakes (G3). The four-day opening weekend concludes Sunday, April 5, with the $200,000 Appalachian Stakes (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association and $150,000 Beaumont Stakes (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select. The season will include the April 2-year-olds in training and horses of racing age sale on April 7. Preview day, during which cataloged horses will have breezes over the dirt track and turf course, is the previous day.

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Keeneland has joined the Breeders’ Cup, Churchill Downs, Del Mar, New York Racing Association, and The Stronach Group to create the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition (TSC), an industry-led effort to advance safety measures in Thoroughbred racing. At the forefront of these reforms is the safety and wellbeing of human and equine athletes. The TSC will serve as an advocate and trusted voice of horse racing as it works to address safety concerns, increase accountability and transparency, and adapt the sport to benefit all for generations to come. “Protecting the health and welfare of our athletes is a complicated question that requires a multifaceted approach,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “That’s why we are implementing significant measures across the sport — from the quality of our track surfaces to ensuring horses are fit to run each and every time through medication reforms and enhanced veterinary examinations. There is no single solution, and we are committed to finding the right answers, wherever that may lead us.” To learn more about the TSC’s efforts, please visit thoroughbredsafetycoalition.com.

TVG Becomes Keeneland Sponsor Keeneland has expanded its partnership with TVG, America’s horse racing network, to include sponsorship of the TVG Limestone Turf Sprint during the spring meet and the Woodford (G2T) Presented by TVG during the fall meet. “TVG is part of the extended Keeneland family, and we are proud to welcome them as a stakes race sponsor. We thank them for their generous support of these two important turf races at Keeneland, and we value their strong commitment to the Thoroughbred industry,” said Keeneland Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Christa Marrillia. “The sponsorship of these races is one component of a broader, longstanding partnership that includes special coverage of Keeneland’s race meets and sales and enhanced promotion on our network,” said TVG General Manager Enrico Rusi.

2020 ARMY MULE Friesan Fire - Crafty Toast by Crafty Prospector

$10,000 LFSN

BAYERN Ofﬂee Wild - Alittlebitearly by Thunder Gulch

$15,000 LFSN

CURLIN Smart Strike - Sherriff’s Deputy by Deputy Minister

$175,000 LFSN

FLINTSHIRE(GB) Dansili(GB) - Dance Routine(GB) by Sadler’s Wells

$15,000 LFSN

GOOD MAGIC Curlin - Glinda the Good by Hard Spun

$35,000 LFSN

KANTHAROS Lion Heart - Contessa Halo by Southern Halo

$30,000 LFSN

KITTEN’S JOY El Prado(IRE) - Kitten’s First by Lear Fan

$75,000 LFSN

LOST TREASURE (IRE) War Front - Wading (IRE) by Montjeu (IRE)

New - $5,000 LFSN

MACLEAN’S MUSIC Distorted Humor - Forest Music by Unbridled’s Song

$20,000 LFSN

MIDNIGHT LUTE Real Quiet - Candytuft by Dehere

$15,000 LFSN

SECRET CIRCLE Eddington - Ragtime Hope by Dixieland Band

$5,000 LFSN

STORMY ATLANTIC Storm Cat - Hail Atlantis by Seattle Slew

$10,000 LFSN

VIOLENCE Medaglia d’Oro - Violent Beauty by Gone West

$25,000 LFSN

WORLD OF TROUBLE Kantharos - Meets Expectations by Valid Expectations

New - $15,000 LFSN

Good Magic, Eclipse Champion 2YO and BC Juvenile winner, a Grade 1 winner at 2 and 3, pictured winning the $1,000,000 Blue Grass Stakes (G2) at Keeneland.

2020 Breeders’ Cup Tickets, Accommodations

Keeneland Named a Best Place to Work

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

Keeneland is preparing to welcome back the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which it successfully hosted in 2015. Tickets for this year’s event, Nov. 6-7, went on sale to the public March 9 (see BreedersCup.com/2020). The 2015 Breeders’ Cup was widely praised as one of the best in event history. To elevate the experience for fans and participants, Breeders’ Cup and Keeneland are investing more than $10.5 million to expand luxury seating areas and enhance hospitality offerings, including • The Silks Lawn Chalet, a 50,000-square-foot, glassed-in and climate-controlled chalet that offers incredible views of the racetrack along with reserved seating, dedicated mutuel tellers, and private buffet and restrooms. • The Saddling Paddock Chalet that offers premium views of contenders before each race. • The Equestrian Room, Phoenix Room, Keene Barn and Entertainment Center, Sales Pavilion, Loge box seats, grandstand reserved seating, and general admission, which includes tailgating at The Hill. Attendance will be capped at 45,000. Breeders’ Cup will again offer a Park-and-Ride program from three local destinations to Keeneland.

Take Charge Brandi tops the November sale.

NOVEMBER, JANUARY SALES ARE SUCCESSFUL

wo recent Keeneland auctions that focus on Thoroughbred breeding stock featured brisk trade and quality offerings when the November Horses of All Ages Sale sold 2,667 horses for $200,139,400 and the January Horses of All Ages Sale sold 1,106 horses for $42,480,500. The November sale delivered 14 seven-figure horses led by champion Take Charge Brandi, in foal to 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, for $3.2 million. John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, Sikura’s new operation on historic Xalapa Farm near Paris, Kentucky, purchased Take Charge Brandi, consigned by his Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent for Elevage Dispersal. At the January sale, James Schenck, agent, bought the two most expensive horses — both broodmare prospects — when he paid $640,000 for grade 1-placed Enaya Alrabb, by Uncle Mo, and $560,000 for Confidently, a half sister to Uncle Mo. Paramount Sales, agent, consigned Enaya Alrabb, and Glen Hill Farm consigned Confidently.

Keeneland Association has been named a winner of the 2020 Best Places to Work in Kentucky by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management. “Our standing as a world leader in Thoroughbred racing and sales is a direct reflection of our employees’ passion and dedication,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “As a company, we are committed to providing a respectful and progressive workplace, and to offering our team members a total rewards package, including a pension, 401(k), and other benefits that distinguish us as an employer and create an environment of excellence.” Keeneland is recruiting seasonal staff for this year’s spring and fall race meets as well as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Nov. 6-7.

Keeneland Grads Earn Seven Eclipse Awards

Five graduates of Keeneland sales, led by Runhappy Horse of the Year and champion turf male Bricks and Mortar, have received a combined seven 2019 Eclipse Awards as North American champions. Keeneland sales Horse of the Year Bricks and Mortar also produced 2019 champions Covfefe (3-year-old filly, female sprinter), MidPartners for $200,000. night Bisou (older dirt female), Mitole (male Bricks and Mortar’s connections also won sprinter), and Vino Rosso (older dirt male) individual Eclipse Awards: breeder George All came from the September yearling sale. Strawbridge Jr., owners Klaravich Stables and Bricks and Mortar won the 2019 Breeders’ William H. Lawrence, trainer Chad Brown, Cup Turf (G1T) to remain undefeated in six and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. MIKE BAKER

JONATHON PALMER

The Saddling Paddock Chalet

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starts — all graded stakes — while earning $6,723,650 during the season. Stone Farm, agent, consigned Bricks and Mortar to the 2015 September sale, where the son of Giant’s Causeway sold to Oaks Bluff

NEWTOWN PIKE—Located just 10 miles from the

Kentucky Horse Park, the centerpiece of this 17.49 acre farm is its 4,800 SF 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with covered rear porch and in-ground pool. Horse improvements include an 8-stall barn with office, 76’ x 105’ outdoor sand ring, and shop/equipment building. The farm’s desirability is enhanced by a 1,200 SF single family home with hardwood floors and vaulted ceiling and a 2-story 1,500 SF duplex. The latter 2 homes are presently being utilized as an ongoing bed and breakfast.

MILLERSBURG ROAD—Located just 3.3 miles from

Paris Bypass, this 25-acre farm offers a concrete block barn with 7 stalls, tack/feed room and a 12’ asphalt center aisle. Other farm improvements include a loading chute, three and four board plank fencing, two fields, one paddock and 4 waterers. The three bedroom, two bath residence sits back from the road and offers 2,500 SF with a formal living and dining room, family room with beamed cathedral ceiling and wood-burning fireplace, large kitchen, breakfast room, laundry, home office, and seasonal porch. In addition, there is a 2 car detached garage. The gently rolling bluegrass pastures, wet weather creek, and mature trees add to the ambience of this charming farm.

106 KIDDS MILL—Woodford County farm with

rich soils and breathtaking views is being offered as a whole - 173.89 acres with a 1.5 story, 4 bedroom, 3 bath house, 40’ x 60’ Morton equipment building, run-in shed, 4 plank fencing, automatic waterers and frontage on Clear Creek or 141.242 acres with beautiful building sites, run-in shed, plank fencing, automatic waterers and frontage on Clear Creek. Located within 15 minutes of Keeneland and Lexington Airport.

J U S T I C E R E A L E S TAT E

2142 IRON WORKS—A park like setting with mature trees, and landscaping along with a perennial garden offers the backdrop for this charming 7.62 acre farm. The residence offers a two story covered front porch, screen porch, crown moulding, chair railing, fireplace, 3 bedrooms, first floor laundry room, and a 2 car detached garage. The farm amenities include a four stall block barn with attached dog run, storage building and 4 plank fenced paddocks. Located just 3.5 miles from the Kentucky Horse Park and minutes from downtown Lexington.

173 ACRES—Located in the heart of the Thoroughbred industry and just a half mile off prestigious Paris Pike, Waggoner Farm has a long history of producing exceptional race horses. 2011 Champion Filly ZAZU and 2017 Grade I Winner CUPID are just 2 recent graduates. An exceptional working horse farm & comprised of 63 stalls in 5 barns. Additional horse improvements include an office, equipment sheds, hay barn, automatic walker, and let-down pens. 1,720 SF 1.5 story manager’s home plus a modular. 2 entrances add desirability and function.

LOCATION!! LOCATION!!—At the corner of

MUIR STATION ROAD—Unique opportunity to

STRODES CREEK STUD —Beautiful 582 acre

TURN-KEY HORSE FARM—417 acres of prime farmland at the corner of Hwy 627 & Spears Mill Road containing the “magic field” - named by Arthur Hancock because so many good horses were raised there, including Kentucky Derby winner Gato del Sol. Improved with 4 horse barns with 85 stalls & 6 renovated homes. Established quarantine and boarding business. With 4 entrances and 8,650’ of frontage, this property is divisible! This farm is a great opportunity to acquire a proven farm in the Bluegrass.

own a 157+/- acre fully operational Thoroughbred farm in the heart of horse country with a total of 47 stalls and 3 separate barns. A 60’ round pen, 6 horse Stratton equicizer, 2 manager-type homes, miles of Triple Crown fencing, a beautiful pond, and a branch of the Elkhorn Creek runs through it. Highly desirable location in the immediate area of Gainesway Farm.

Thoroughbred facility situated on Strodes Creek and accessed via a long, tree-lined drive. This highlydeveloped horse farm is in one of the world’s most productive Thoroughbred regions while offering one of the most aesthetically-pleasing settings anywhere. Horse improvements include 115 stalls in 7 barns. Guest plus employee housing and 3 shop/maintenance building. Beautiful land!

Midway and Aiken Roads across the road from Lane’s End & B. C. Jones’ farm - the ultimate location! 206 acres, 3 horse barns with 49 stalls, and some of the best land in the world!! Rarely does a horse farm of this size and location come on the market!! Excellent soils and tree-lined driveways all add to its desirability. This farm is divisible into 2 parcels: 120 acres, 2 barns, and 30 stalls; or 86 acres with a 19 stall barn.

Bill G. Bell (859-621-0607) X Mary Sue Walker (859-619-4770) X Marilyn Richardson (859-621-4850) Muffy Lyster (859-229-1804) X Allen Kershaw (859-333-2901) X Mike Morrison (859-340-0302) Amber Siegelman (859-948-0068) X Bill Justice (859-255-3657)

280 ACRES—Well-located horse farm at the corner of Hume Bedford and Elizabeth Station Roads. Well designed/built 48 stall U-shaped concrete block barn with courtyard, wash bays, offices, and feed rooms. Additional improvements are a 19 stall converted tobacco barn, a 50’ x 100’ equip bldg with a 3 bedroom apartment, modular, and a manager’s house with private entrance. Located in Fayette & Bourbon Counties. Reduced and Priced below what Seller paid in 2007 before he built that million dollar barn!

DELANEY FERRY—A rare find minutes from Keeneland,

Lexington and Versailles this 75 acre horse farm offers a 6 stall concrete block barn with room for 5 more stalls, run-in shed, 4 board plank fencing, automatic waterers, woods and creek frontage on Clear Creek. The 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath brick residence features, 3 geothermal HVAC units, hardwood & tile floors, 1st floor master suite & 1st floor guest suite, custom cabinetry, 2 story family room, free standing wood stove and ventless gas fireplace, office, laundry room, and 2 car attached garage.

CANE RUN ROAD—44 acres idyllically located

just off Iron Works Pike, surrounded by world-renown Glencrest Farm, & sitting on some of the best land in Kentucky, this custom 4,300 SF home, designed by wellknown architects Clyde Carpenter and Scott Guyon and constructed by builder Gene Coppinger, features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, oak flooring, vaulted ceilings, and a great floor plan. Meticulously maintained and loved by its only owner. A gated stone entrance via a mature tree-lined drive leads you to this special home and a David Rice-built 6 stall barn.

CENTRAL KENTUCKY’S HORSE FARM PROFESSIONALS

WALNUT SPRINGS FARM - 268 ACRES

A PORTION OF DIAMOND A FARM

Magnificent 11,000 +/- SF main residence in a stoneenclosed court yard with pool and pool house. 66 stalls in 7 barns, open equipment shed, shop/equipment building, 3 employee houses. Excellent soils and pure natural beauty! The adjoining 256 acres is also available for sale by the same owner with 46 stalls in 3 concrete block barns. This farm was originally developed by Robert Sterling Clark of Singer Sewing Machines. He chose this land because of its excellent soils, abundant water, and the limestone underneath.

Highly developed 523 acre horse farm with immediate neighbors as Coolmore/Ashford and Gainesborough farms. The centerpiece of the farm is its office/stallion barn complex, situated in a well-landscaped courtyard with brick sidewalks, that is very adaptable to a yearling complex as well. There are 5 additional horse barns with 86 stalls. Additional improvements include 2 metal buildings and a large shop plus a very nice manager’s home (suitable for an owner) and an employee house.

518 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508 X ( 859 ) 255-3657 X www.kyhorsefarms.com

Connections SPRING 2020 1 | IN JAPAN

3 | GYPSY SPIRIT A large, enthusiastic crowd and the sale of Sir Alfred Munnings’ A Gypsy Encampment for $97,750, including buyer premium, highlighted the seventh annual Sporting Art Auction, a collaboration between Keeneland and Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington, on Nov. 17 at Keeneland.

KEENELAND

For the third consecutive year, Keeneland and noted artist Lee Wybranski have partnered to produce a spring commemorative race meet print. The 2020 watercolor depicts horses rounding the first turn at Keeneland, flanked by dogwood and forsythia and featuring the grandstand and clubhouse crowd cheering in the background. Prints are available for $30 at The Keeneland Shop and online at www. keenelandshop.com.

COURTESY OF CROSS GATE GALLERY

2 | CELEBRATING SPRING

KEENELAND

Attending the prestigious Japan Cup in late November were (from left) Tetsuya Yoshida of Shadai Farm, Keeneland Japan representative Kate Hunter, Keeneland relationship manager Chip McGaughey, Shadai’s Teruya Yoshida, Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason and his wife, Barbara, and Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming.

COURTESY OF BLUEGRASS TOMORROW

Keeneland Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Christa Marrillia was recognized during a recent University of Kentucky women’s basketball game at Memorial Coliseum. During each home game, the team honored a local community leader to “showcase the power of women.”

UK ATHLETICS

4 | HOOPS HONOR

5 | VISIONARY Bluegrass Tomorrow, an economic development agency that oversees Kentucky’s 18-county Bluegrass region, presented Keeneland Trustee Emeritus James E. “Ted” Bassett III with its highest honor, the Josephine Abercrombie Award, at its Feb. 5 Vision Awards Breakfast.

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6 | MORE MUSIC

Keeneland will host the second Railbird music festival on Aug. 22-23. The 2020 lineup has been announced. See railbirdfest.com.

Congratulations

2019 ECLIPSE AWARD WINNING BREEDER

George Strawbridge

HORSE OF THE YEAR CHAMPION MALE TURF HORSE â&#x2014;&#x2020;

BRICKS AND MORTAR Raised and Sold by STONE FARM

For Half of a Century

For inquiries, please contact Arthur Hancock at (859) 987-3737 200 Stoney Point Road, Paris, KY 40361 E-mail: stonefarm@stonefarm.com www.stonefarm.com

Central Kentuckyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Respected Source for Farm Brokerage Our featured listings for your review:

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Cathy S. Davis 859.806.9444

Hannah Davis Emig 859.221.8055

Bernie Witchey 859.321.1689

Spotlight On

AUCTION TEAM’S EXPERTISE IS KEY TO KEENELAND’S STATUS

From top, Scott Caldwell listens to a customer; announcers, from left, Cris Caldwell, Justin Holmberg, and John Henderson; team members review the catalog as they prepare for an upcoming session.

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EXCELLENCE AS THE WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING THOROUGHBRED AUCTION HOUSE

By Liane Crossley | Photos by Anne M. Eberhardt Cris Caldwell, left, and Ryan Mahan help generate enthusiasm from the auction stand.

Clockwise from top left, like the other bid spotters, Roger Spencer and Jesse Bolin have their own techniques and work the same sections at every sale; Ty McClary, left, and Ryan Mahan confer during the January horses of all ages sale.

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Ryan Mahan, the director of auctioneers, routinely walks the sales grounds to talk with consignors and buyers.

t a venue like no other, Keeneland has an auctioneering team unmatched in the global Thoroughbred marketplace. Their dedication and depth of knowledge of the industry and its buyers, sellers, and horses are just some of the reasons Keeneland is the largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house in the world.

Keeneland sells more champions and stakes winners than any other company while providing state-of-the-art facilities and abundant amenities for the buyers who come from more than 50 countries and from nearly every U.S. state. Undefeated Triple Crown

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winner Justify and 21 other Kentucky Derby winners are among the legendary horses that have been offered at one of Keeneland’s four annual sales — January horses of all ages, April 2-year-olds in training and horses of racing age, September yearling, and November breeding stock — which last year grossed a total of more than $627 million. During the busiest sessions, when nearly 400 Thoroughbreds go through the auction ring, selling can stretch beyond 10 hours without pause. The consecutive days transform into just under two weeks during the September and November sales. “People tend to think that we walk in, the horse walks in, here’s a little information, there are some bids, and then on to the next horse,” said Ryan Mahan, director of auctioneers, who joined the team as an announcer in 1977. “It is nothing like that. Auctions are

so rapid — whether you are bidding on a million-dollar horse or not — that there is anxiety. We want everyone to have a fair chance.” The Keeneland team consists of five auctioneers, four announcers, and 11 bid spotters who take extreme pride in maximizing each horse’s value when it is on stage. Because team members have been working together for so long, they can virtually read each other’s minds through body language or voice tones. For example, announcers instinctively know when to chime in with additional information, and bid spotters join in the fun if an auctioneer lightens the mood with a joke or two. Mahan shares his duties with Scott and Cris Caldwell — sons of legendary Keeneland auctioneer Tom Caldwell, who had his Keeneland post for four decades prior to his passing in 2001. Justin Holmberg and Wade

Brothers Scott and Cris Caldwell learned the trade from their late legendary father, Tom, who presided from the Keeneland stand for some 40 years.

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Cunningham round out the quintet. The Caldwell brothers joined Keeneland in the 1970s, Holmberg arrived in 1998 and Cunningham took the stand in 2015. Mahan said the auctioneers and announcers on the podium and the bid spotters in the aisles strive to make all participants comfortable. That goal is achieved through familiarity with all involved, behind-the-scenes personal exchanges, and decades of experience. To relax the audience, they might infuse humor when appropriate. Favorite lines include suggesting that the bidder confer with his banker or wife and joking about the regret of being the underbidder on a future champion. When champion Royal Delta was sold for $8.5 million at the 2011 Keeneland November sale — a record for a horse in training — Mahan acknowledged successful bidder Ben Leon with “Wow, what a birthday gift” in reference to Leon’s having secured the horse for his wife. From their perch, the auctioneers instinctively know when to slow the bidding and when to pressure the players. Sometimes they will stop so the announcer (Kurt Becker, John Henderson, Gabby Gaudet, and Scott Hazelton) can give a “second speech” that repeats or enhances the original message about the horse being offered. This dialogue is far more than a script. With their keen knowledge of racing and breeding, the announcers have information ingrained in their minds. They keep notes on the most current and often minuscule details about horses and their relatives, such as their recent noteworthy workouts or the achievements of a sibling. In short, the announcers thrive on the sport of Thoroughbred racing, which evolves into their broad understanding of pedigrees. Becker, who doubles as Keeneland’s race caller, has distinct memories of Thoroughbreds that competed at Keeneland, and

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Gabby Gaudet and Kurt Becker review a catalog page as they prepare for their time on the stand.

John Henderson, left, and Ryan Mahan talk with Taylor Made’s Mark Taylor.

Spotlight On AUCTION EXCELLENCE

Bid spotter E.C. Larkin Jr. has worked with the auction team since the 1970s. Steve (Bo) Black is another familiar face during the sales.

those personal mentions might nudge another bid. His race-meet gig also provides goodwill for auction participants who have been invited to visit him in his booth high above the track to watch him in action. No other North American Thoroughbred sales company can offer that perk. Henderson, who has been at the post for more than three decades, keeps a binder of stallions’ offspring, which he updates daily with pertinent information that is not readily available elsewhere. Gaudet and Hazelton were born into Thoroughbred racing as children of trainers and hone their knowledge as broadcasters during the Keeneland meets and at high-profile races throughout the country. On the auction floor, bid spotters (Mitch Armitage, Mike Baker, Steve Black, Jesse Bolin, Stanley Deupree, Jeff Fritsch, Mark

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‘‘

THERE IS A DEEP LEVEL OF TRUST BETWEEN US AND THE BUYER.”

— AUCTIONEER CRIS CALDWELL

Harman, E.C. Larkin Jr., Ty McClary, Ralph Means, Roger Spencer) are laser focused. Like the auctioneers and announcers, the bid spotters work rotating shifts of about

one hour on and one hour off so their concentration remains at peak. Some are theatrical; others are low key. But they all know how to balance their enthusiasm by gauging the crowd. Thanks to their years, and in many cases decades, of working together, the crew plays off each other. The longest Keeneland relationship is the Caldwell brothers and Mahan, Larkin, and Henderson, who have been together professionally since the 1970s. Bid spotters have their same sections at every sale, and buyers tend to follow that pattern by sitting near their favorites. For some, it’s knowing the spotter understands their patterns. Others are superstitious and believe they have better luck with certain bid spotters. While seasoned shoppers stay comfortable, newcomers are subtly welcomed. Upon seeing an unfamiliar face, the

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Spotlight On AUCTION EXCELLENCE

AUCTION TEAM AUCTIONEERS Ryan Mahan, director of auctioneers Cris Caldwell Scott Caldwell Wade Cunningham Justin Holmberg ANNOUNCERS Kurt Becker Gabby Gaudet Scott Hazelton John Henderson BID SPOTTERS Mitch Armitage Mike Baker Steve Black Jesse Bolin Stanley Deupree Jeff Fritsch Mark Harman E.C. Larkin Jr. Ty McClary Ralph Means Roger Spencer

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Some buyers like to bid from the back of the pavilion, and the back ring crew ensures no bid will be missed.

bid spotter likely will strike up a brief conversation to put the person at ease. Bidding on most horses is straightforward, but certain horses require extra effort such as when sellers exercise their right to bid on their own horses instead of placing a reserve. Larkin recalls a husband and wife who were undecided about an acceptable amount. Larkin indicated that they needed to make up their minds quickly if they wanted to bid again. The husband was non-committal, so Larkin turned to the wife for her opinion. With the auditorium momentarily silent, she practically shouted “sell the son of a gun!” “Everyone turned to look at her, which was quite amusing to everyone at the time,” he said. Another memorable episode occurred when one of Larkin’s regulars told him that he was instructed by the owner to bid on his horse up to $1 million. The man stressed he would drop out after that amount and requested that Larkin slow the pace while accepting his signals. Moments later, another regular told Larkin he had a much different

strategy while saying he wanted the first bid at exactly $1 million. “It was a funny predicament to see the look on the first man’s face,” he said. “Luckily, the horse sold for more than $1 million so it all turned out fine. He still tells that story of how he felt.” The team’s experience extends far beyond the Keeneland sales pavilion, their home away from home for five weeks a year. They travel circuits to auctions of cars, cattle, art, real estate, and other commodities. They found their way to Keeneland via their co-workers, who are constantly on the lookout for Keeneland-worthy talent. “What has happened in my years at Keeneland is that each auctioneer and bid spotter is handpicked,” Scott Caldwell said. “It is a team effort to find the next team member.” The attrition rate for these recruits is virtually zero. Scott Caldwell is the most tenured member of the current crew, having joined in 1973. The most recent addition is Gaudet, who made her debut at the 2020 January horses of all ages sale and is the first

woman in the role at any major Thoroughbred sale in North America.

Empathy and endurance The auction team’s camaraderie stretches past their strong relationships with each other to the buyers and sellers. “We can have an impact that other auction teams don’t have because they see us so much more,” Cris Caldwell said “If we look out from the auction stand and ask for one more bid, they really take that to heart. They believe in us because we have watched them buy other horses. There is a deep level of trust between us and the buyer.” Consignors gain faith because of person-

Jesse Bolin (front), Mitchell Armitage (left), and Roger Spencer (center) complete a successful first session of the January horses of all ages sale.

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WesBanco Bank, Inc. is a Member FDIC | wesbanco.com Wealth Management Services include WesBanco Trust and Investment Services (WTIS); WesBanco Securities, Inc. (WSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of WesBanco, Inc. and a member of FINRA and SIPC; and WesBanco Insurance Services (WIS). WIS is licensed in the states of WV, PA, MD, OH, KY, IN and FL. WTIS may invest in insured deposits and nondeposit investment products. WSI and WIS invest in nondeposit investment products. *Nondeposit investment products are not insured by the FDIC, not bank guaranteed, not insured by any government entity and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal amount invested.

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Spotlight On AUCTION EXCELLENCE

al service. Keeneland encourages sellers to share specifics about their offerings with the team before sale time. These interactions are held at the barns, in the Keeneland sales office or in more casual chats in the hallways. The large outfits spend ample time detailing their consignment while others hit the high points on certain horses. “We have insisted for years that people talk to us and about 85 percent of the consignors do,” Mahan said. “That makes a world of difference in their trust in us to sell their product and in our trust in them.” The staff is mindful of the effort required to get a Thoroughbred to the sales ring, where the horse’s value at that moment is determined in about 90 seconds. The auctioneers are masters at coaxing increases whether the price is beyond $1 million or in a lower range. Oftentimes, the action ceases and the horse is poised to leave the ring, but the auctioneer ekes out more money and suddenly the animal’s value increases. “I have never been fortunate enough to own million-dollar horses or even $100,000 horses, but I have always been a horse trader,” Scott Caldwell said. “So it is important to me that I try just as hard on an inexpensive horse as an expensive horse. The difference between $100 or $500 on a horse under $10,000 can be the difference between making a profit or not or being able to pay the feed bill. I am cognizant of that.” Auctioneers and their associates are as enthusiastic in a Keeneland auction’s waning hours as they were during early sessions when glittering price tags and impeccable pedigrees are the norms. When they are off duty, the crew remains receptive and congenial. “Walking through the pavilion we are constantly ‘on’ — shaking hands, saying hello, speaking to people,” Cris Caldwell said. “Over the course of a sale, the people

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Auctioneers meet with consignor Joseph Seitz of Brookdale Farm to discuss key information before a session.

Many years of close collaboration have made the Keeneland auction team second to none.

change from the first day to the last day of a long sale. There is a new group every few days to catch up with from different parts of the world.” Like other aspects of the Thoroughbred industry, auctioneering is more a lifestyle than a job. Days can be long, moments can be stressful, and travel can be frustrating, but the crew thrives in Keeneland’s cele-

brated surroundings, which offer an extended social gathering. “At the end of the September and November sales, people ask if we are glad the season is over, but we are not,” Mahan said. “We’d rather keep rolling. It’s exciting. I think the great thing about the [long] sales is the different groups of people that come. It is like four parties in a row.” KM

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1999 Richmond Road, Ste. 400, Lexington, KY 40502 t 859.268.0099 | f 859.268.0098 | bgsir.com Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.

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Arthurian Legend Arthur Hancock III, who has always done things his way, prepares the next generation of his family to guide his storied Stone Farm

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

By Lenny Shulman

Arthur Hancock III has nurtured Stone Farm for 50 years.

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hat began as a short-term, coming-of-age test has blossomed into a 50-year success story. And what could have been a Shakespearian tragedy has instead become a feel-good triumph filled with comedy that is barreling toward a gratifying, next-generation succession.

Hancock learned the importance of good land for raising good horses from his father, Arthur B. “Bull” Hancock Jr.

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half-century ago to prove himself as a horseman. Although oddsmakers of that time would have considered him a decided longshot, Hancock, with a significant chip on his shoulder,

RICK SAMUELS

Arthur Hancock III, scion of the Thoroughbred world’s most famous family, was sent by his father six miles down Winchester Road from his home at legendary Claiborne Farm a

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Arthurian Legend

RICK SAMUELS

became a masterful breeder, raiser, seller, and owner of champions and high-class Thoroughbreds, and has made Stone Farm one of the most respected operations in the world. One need only look to 2019 Horse of the Year and champion turf male Bricks and Mortar, who was born and raised on Stone Farm for longtime client George Strawbridge Jr., as proof of Hancock’s acumen. Earlier, Hancock co-bred and co-owned Kentucky Derby winner Gato Del Sol, raised and co-owned dual classic winner Sunday Silence, and co-bred Derby victor equine blood to create superior racehorsCaptain’s son, Arthur B. Hancock, took to Fusaichi Pegasus. He has not slowed down. es. But his son Arthur III was not prepared the horses as well and moved to Kentucky In the past five years Stone Farm has bred to walk a straight line from his lineage into after courting and marrying Nancy Clay, a grade 1 winners Air Force Blue, Ascend, Bourbon County native. They began Claithe future. Much to his father’s disapprovMastery, and Roadster. al, Hancock heard the siren call of music borne in 1912. Hancock utilizes the storytelling ability and developed a love for bluegrass of a songwriter, which he is, to and country, and devoted much of entertain friends and clients. his time to that pursuit. He also deAnd he sprinkles in a touch veloped a taste for hard drinking and of metaphysics, often taking good times, even while excelling at omens to heart, such as when Vanderbilt University as a star on the he observed a hot-air balloonswim team. ist take to the sky near Stone After singing on a local radio staFarm the morning Ascend won tion one night, Hancock returned to the grade 1 Woodford Reserve Claiborne, where his father greeted Manhattan Stakes in 2017. him caustically: “Look, here comes Tall and thin now in his midthe canary.” Bull Hancock had devot70s, Hancock, known as “Hawk” ed much time to teaching his eldest to his friends, was running on son the ropes of the horse business, parallel tracks back in the 1960s. and he feared those lessons were beHe had inherited blood as a ing wasted. Father and son had a difmaster horseman, a vocation Hancock leased Stone Farm before taking the helm after his ficult relationship, which Arthur III begun by his great-grandfather, father’s death in 1972. took pains to improve after college. Capt. Richard J. Hancock, who He went to New York for a year, working Arthur B. “Bull” Hancock Jr. came along, had learned about horses while serving in in the barn of trainer Eddie Neloy to learn the Confederate Army in Virginia. After helping his father build Claiborne into the the racetrack side of the horse business. the Civil War, Hancock established Ellerslie premier breeding station in the United Returning to Claiborne in 1967, Arthur States by mixing domestic and imported and built it into a thriving horse farm. The

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E. MARTIN JESSEE

Sunday Silence, a horse no one initially wanted, won the 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for Hancock and partners.

RICK SAMUELS

Kentucky Derby trophies and other gilded prizes of the Turf attest to Hancock’s success.

III worked for his father three years before Bull Hancock passed down a family tradition to him. “He had Stone Farm, which was 100 acres, which he leased to me, and told me to go run the farm and pay the bills,” Hancock said. “That was 1970. My grandfather had sent Daddy to Ellerslie in Virginia for a year as well. Granddaddy said to him, ‘Make it pay and I’ll hire you back; if you don’t, go on and do something else.’ This was the same kind of deal. Daddy didn’t tell me in those words, but he did tell me

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Arthurian Legend what my grandfather had told him.” Hancock went to earning his keep immediately. Punctilious, a mare he bought for $13,000, hit with The Pruner, who became a three-time stakes winner of nearly $300,000. Hancock bred Punctilious to the Claiborne stallion Forli and got a colt he couldn’t sell because of a bump on its leg. The legendary trainer Vincent O’Brien liked the colt and told Hancock he would bring the “lucky” Englishman, Charles St. George, in to co-own the horse with Hancock. “You don’t think luck really matters, do you?” Hancock asked O’Brien. “I think it means everything,” O’Brien answered. “That was Dapper, the first horse I ever named,” Hancock said of the homebred who won the 1973 Gladness and Tetrarch stakes. “I sold pieces of him

‘‘

IT’S A PEOPLE BUSINESS, AND YOU HAVE TO MAKE A

PERSONAL

CONNECTION.” —Arthur Hancock

for a lot of money, and that helped get me going.” Hancock, though, would not get the opportunity to return to Claiborne and work with his father. Bull Hancock died unexpectedly in 1972 when his elder son was still at Stone Farm. Arthur returned to Claiborne for several months before the executors and advisers who had the decision-making power over the farm decided that Arthur’s younger brother, Seth, would be a better choice to captain the Claiborne ship going forward. “I was the oldest son, and my expectation was that I would run Claiborne,” noted Arthur. “And I was happy to run it with Seth. But he was married and more settled than I was, and he’s certainly done a great job there.” Hancock could have stayed on at Claiborne but bristled at the thought of having to answer to his

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BOBBY SHIFLET/FRAMES ON MAIN PHOTOS

Arthurian Legend

Hancock, who delights in storytelling and believes in omens, would find significance in the appearance of a rainbow over Stone Farm or a cat outside a particular barn.

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father’s major clients, who wielded considerable power within Claiborne. “I knew I didn’t want to work that way,” Hancock said. “I’ve got one life to live, and I knew I had to see what I could do on my own. So I resigned, got in my car, and drove out of Claiborne with tears coming down my face. I met my friend Paul Sullivan at a bar and told him, ‘One of these days I’m gonna win the Kentucky Derby and be bigger than Claiborne.’ And he turned to the waitress and said, ‘Bring this fool another Budweiser.’ ” The lessons visited on the son by his father didn’t go for naught. Along with the guitar pickin’ and the hard living, Hancock had soaked up the generations of knowledge imparted to him. And he had that knack for good fortune as well. “[Legendary breeder] Warner Jones looked at me one time, and said, ‘Goddamn, you’re lucky.’ And that’s probably what it’s all about,” said Hancock. “But my father taught me very well. I knew what I was doing. He showed me how to judge good horses. I watched mares foal. Spent nights with the vet treating horses. Daddy taught me about having good, fresh land; good water. He was taught by his father, who was taught by his father. That was a lot of knowledge being picked up and passed along. “One day I remember Daddy telling me, ‘I’m not as smart as some of these sons of bitches, but I’ll outwork them all.’ ” Hancock, in his Stone Farm office, pointed to a brass plaque above the fireplace that reads, “The only happiness in life is a job well done.” “That’s what Daddy thought, and that’s one thing I can look back 50 years and say: I’ve always worked hard.” By 1974, Hancock had tripled the size of Stone Farm and built a stallion barn.

THE TONY LEONARD COLLECTION

RICK SAMUELS; THE TONY LEONARD COLLECTION, RIGHT

Arthurian Legend

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BOBBY SHIFLET/FRAMES ON MAIN

Some connections from the music world such as songwriter Bobby Russell (“Little Green Apples” and “Honey”) and singer/guitarist Ray Price sent mares to board, as did Roy Bowen, Leone Peters, and Ike McReynolds. Hancock was off and running. “I’ve always said that when you see a turtle on a fencepost, he didn’t get there by himself,” Hancock noted. “Those clients over the years have trusted me, and we’ve liked each other. It’s a people business, and you have to make a personal connection.” Hancock made a crucial personal connection while on the Keeneland sales grounds in the mid-1970s at Warner Jones’ barn. He asked Jones about a pretty blonde girl who was showing horses. “Her name is Staci Worthington,” growled Jones, who was every bit the rogue that the young Hancock was. “You leave her alone. She’s a nice girl.” Staci and Arthur Hancock have been married 43 years. And Staci brought more good luck. Five years after their wedding, Stone Farm homebred Gato Del Sol won the 1982 Kentucky Derby, fulfilling a dream. And it wasn’t lost on Hancock that he won the Derby before Claiborne turned the trick two years later with Swale.

RICK SAMUELS

Arthur and Staci Hancock, married for 43 years, have raised six children. The young family joins Sunday Silence in a 1989 photo.

Staci Hancock champions Thoroughbred aftercare and helped bring Gato Del Sol home in 2000.

After Arthur had built Stone up to its present-day 2,200 acres, the tax laws changed, and suddenly he was overexposed, and the farm’s future was very much in doubt. Raising a young family, Staci became the bedrock of the operation. “Arthur was pretty good about hiding his 2 a.m. walks, fretting about how we were going to make it,” she said. “It was a stressful time for the entire industry. So reaching 50 years is a big achievement, a big deal. It’s great, especially for Arthur who put himself out there and tried to do it on his own.” Arthur Hancock credits Sunday Silence for saving the farm. A horse that nobody except Hancock wanted, the son of Halo, out of Wishing Well, was a sickly foal on the farm and nothing much to look at. Hancock unwittingly obtained him when the colt’s breeder turned him loose, and, in the hands of trainer and co-owner Charlie Whittingham, Sunday Silence became one of the most celebrated and significant horses in the Thoroughbred breed. He not only won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1989 (defeating Ogden Phipps’ highly regarded Easy Goer in each race) for Hancock and partners, he also went on to become one of the great stallions of all time, albeit in

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RICK SAMUELS PHOTOS

Arthurian Legend

The foaling barn has yielded Gato Del Sol, Sunday Silence, and Fusaichi Pegasus, along with Preakness/Belmont winner Risen Star.

Tags identify the mare residents of barn 14. Right, a lawn jockey sports the Stone Farm colors.

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The mare America welcomes her newborn Uncle Mo foal.

Japan after Hancock could not find domestic breeders interested in the colt. Staci and Arthur have raised six children, all daughters except for Arthur IV (“Little Arthur” to most, although that is a misnomer). And therein lies the succession plan at Stone Farm. While Arthur IV has worked at the farm and at horse sales, he is currently following his love of bluegrass music as a banjo player, the apple having fallen not far from the tree. Thirty-something daughters Alex and Lynn are now working full time at the farm, sponging up yet another generation’s worth of knowledge that will serve Stone well going forward. Both have traveled the world following their scholastic careers, and each has decided there is no better life than continuing the family heritage. “I lived in France and in Chicago, where I studied comedy with Second City, but I knew I really didn’t want that,” said Alex. “I always wanted to live

here and be around horses, and there was a big pull to come back home.” Added Lynn, “There is a strong place association with Kentucky. It was valuable to have experiences elsewhere, but growing up here with the horses, it’s like something out of a storybook. And the fact Dad built this business and created something special, and having the ability to learn from him...” Their parents are delighted with their daughters’ participation. “I think all our kids have picked up on our interest in the land and the horses,” Staci said. “I’m thrilled Alex and Lynn are here and stepping up as young women in the business. They both had to work for these positions. Their father didn’t just hand it to them, which is good.” Staci has also become an important figure in the industry. She is the founder of WHOA, the Water Hay Oats Alliance that has been lobbying to remove drugs from the sport, a position that has gained momentum, especial-

RICK SAMUELS

BOBBY SHIFLET/FRAMES ON MAIN PHOTOS

Arthurian Legend

ly since the spate of breakdowns at Santa Anita Park in 2019, which traumatized the Thoroughbred world. “I began as an advocate more than 20 years ago going back to Exceller,” said Staci, referring to the star racehorse who was slaughtered in Sweden when his breeding career ended. “I was shocked that such a horse could come to an end like that. It woke me up, and I got involved in the anti-slaughter movement. When we were able to bring Gato back home from Germany, that was one of the best things in my life,” she said, referring to the Kentucky Derby winner who returned to Stone Farm after his stallion career ended. “I got involved in the political side of it and have continued with anti-slaughter and medication issues. Arthur has been talking about the medication issue for 30 years, and it’s been great working together,” she added.

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Today, WHOA boasts 1,850 members and has helped lead the push to pass the Horse Racing Integrity Act, which is now co-sponsored by a majority of the House of Representatives and nearly a quarter of the U.S. Senate. The act would create uniformity in medication regulations nationwide and put enforcement in the hands of the independent United States Anti-Doping Agency, which handles such chores for the U.S. Olympic teams. “This is truly a bipartisan effort at a time when you don’t see much of that,” said Staci. “Let’s try to fix this. Our fans don’t want drugs in the sport; they contribute to breakdowns. It’s important to show industry support for the act, and I feel encouraged.” Arthur Hancock’s success with horses hasn’t come completely at the expense of his other passion. He has put out several collec-

Daughters Lynn, left, and Alex review stallion information with their father. Above and at right, Stone Farm encompasses 2,200 acres and includes a training track.

tions of original tunes, and his songs have ended up in the hands of musical giants. Willie Nelson and Ray Price recorded Hancock’s “Run That By Me One More Time,” and Grandpa Jones, Tex Ritter, and Bobby Osborne of the Osborne Brothers have put his compositions to vinyl. Whatever the playing field, Hancock has put up winning points, sometimes under the most difficult of circumstances. Asked whether his exile from Claiborne had been injurious or inspiring, Hancock paused before replying. “It’s my life, and I wanted to see what I could do with it. I remember thinking I may end up driving a truck and writing songs. But I wanted to prove something to myself and to everybody else that I could do it. The driving force was I wanted to be on the farm, close to nature, and raise horses.” Mission accomplished. KM

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unforgettable PERFORMANCES Led by the incomparable American Pharoah, Keeneland’s 2015 Breeders’ Cup winners left indelible memories and now are settled into new careers By Tom Pedulla

Just as American Pharoah’s fans lined up to see him at the track, right, owners now line up for a chance to breed their mares to Ashford Stud’s champion sire, above.

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MATT HERP 2015

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unforgettable PERFORMANCES

he stars aligned perfectly when the Breeders’ Cup World Championships came to Lexington, where the concept originated, for its first staging at Keeneland Race Course in 2015. The hugely anticipated event produced winners that continue to prove their worth long after those two unforgettable days of racing were done.

Keeneland shattered its attendance record when 95,102 fans thronged the track during the two-day event in 2015. All eyes were on the starting gate for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

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Nyquist (Juvenile) would bring home the roses in the Kentucky Derby. Songbird (Juvenile Fillies) would secure honors as champion 2- and 3-year-old filly, sweeping nine grade 1 contests and earning almost $4.7 million. Tepin (Mile) and Found (Turf) would prevail on grand international stages the following year, with Tepin delivering a victory fit for Her Majesty in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and Found in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Liam’s Map (Dirt Mile) and Runhappy (Sprint) launched determined rallies that got them home in track-record times at Keeneland. Liam’s Map stopped the teletimer in 1:34.54 for the mile; Runhappy clicked off six furlongs in a blistering 1:08.58. Then, of course, the Classic brought a performance for the ages. American Pharoah, the first Triple Crown champion in 37 years, became the only horse to achieve the Grand Slam. He displayed his might with a never-in-doubt 6½-length triumph, a fitting end to his glorious career. And the magic continues. American Pharoah, Liam’s Map, Runhappy, and Nyquist show early signs of being game-changing stallions, sires who can positively influence the breed for generations. There are times when Bob Elliston, Keeneland’s vice president of racing and sales, finds himself a bit in awe of all that continues to transpire. “The coming home of the Breeders’ Cup was a tremendous success, and it’s gone on to demonstrate success in a whole other way,” Elliston said. “And that is there are some tremendous young stallions who won races at Keeneland who are now demon-

unforgettable

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

PERFORMANCES

SKIP DICKSTEIN

European star Found outran an international field in the Turf.

strating their ability in the breeding shed.” American Pharoah, standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud as a seemingly perfect son of Pioneerof the Nile out of Littleprincessemma (Yankee Gentleman), has enjoyed success since his first runner was a winner. Monarch of Egypt earned that distinction when he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race at Naas last April 13 for renowned trainer Aidan O’Brien. American Pharoah emerged as the top freshman sire in 2019. He made an immediate impact at the Breeders’ Cup when Four Wheel Drive sped gate-to-wire in the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, an eye-catching close to a three-for-three campaign for Keeneland-based trainer Wesley Ward. “The minute that horse won the Breeders’ Cup, they said the phones went off the hook,” said Bob Baffert, American Pharoah’s trainer. “They’ve got to come out running that first year (for a sire to be considered a success).” Come running they did — at stakes levels on dirt and turf. Sweet Melania scored in the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stakes at a mile-and-a-sixteenth at Keeneland, a prelude to a third-place

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SKIP DICKSTEIN

Songbird completed her undefeated season in 2015 with a romp in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Nyquist previewed his 2016 Kentucky Derby victory with a confident win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Maven successfully ventured to France for the five-furlong Prix du Bois on grass at Chantilly, following a winning debut on dirt at Aqueduct. Another Miracle lived up to her hopeful name in the Skidmore Stakes, going 5½ furlongs on Saratoga’s turf. Harvey’s Lil Goil became another stakes winner, in the mile-and-an-eighth Busanda on dirt at Aqueduct this past February. “He’s clearly passing on what made him great,” said Gatewood Bell of Cromwell Bloodstock. “To me, that was his mechanics and

unforgettable PERFORMANCES

COADY PHOTOGRAPHY

Our market loves fresh, young stallions that bring new breeding perspectives.” —Keeneland’s Bob Elliston

SKIP DICKSTEIN

Liam’s Map triumphed in the Dirt Mile in his final start.

Runhappy made his backers happy with an authoritative score in the Sprint.

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his mind, the talent with the will to win. You very rarely get all of that.” American Pharoah’s runners asserted themselves with victories in seven different countries. Beyond that, he has more Triple Crown nominees than any other sire. Although the colt who ended a record Triple Crown drought was never tried on turf, Baffert is not surprised some of his descendants are thriving there. “Pharoah would have run well on anything,” his Hall of Fame conditioner said. “He’s the most inspirational horse I ever trained.” Wesley Ward bred some of his accomplished turf mares to American Pharoah after consulting with Baffert. Part of the appeal was the horse’s unflappable demeanor. “He seemed to be a very easygoing guy that didn’t have any nervousness about him,” Ward said. “I thought he would translate that to his progeny, which he did.” Officials at Ashford Stud, which also stands

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

American Pharoah completed the Grand Slam of racing when he captured the Breeders’ Cup Classic after winning the Triple Crown.

2018 Triple Crown hero Justify, are delighted that their faith is being, well, justified. “Ever since American Pharoah broke his maiden in the Del Mar Futurity, expectations have always been high for whatever test he took on next,” noted Ashford Stud manager Dermot Ryan. “He exceeded all of those expectations on the racetrack, and he continues to do so as a stallion. He lit up the sales ring every step of the way, whether it be in-foal mares, weanlings, yearlings, or 2-year-olds.” Ryan went on, “From the many American Pharoahs we have seen, they all have a lot of quality, tremendous action, and incredibly sound minds.” American Pharoah sired the highest-priced filly in the history of Keeneland’s September yearling sale when Mandy Pope of Whisper Hill Farm refused to be outbid by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister of Dubai.

The day after his Classic victory trainer Bob Baffert presented American Pharoah to well-wishers.

She ultimately paid $8.2 million for Clarkland Farm’s half sister to fourtime champion Beholder, grade 1 winner Mendelssohn, and grade 1 winner and prominent sire Into Mischief. Fred Mitchell of Clarkland Farm was impressed with the record filly, now named America’s Song, at birth. “She was pretty much special from the time she foaled, and then she just grew into an unbelievable-looking individual,” he said. “She looked more like a colt than she did a filly, and she had a personality that was out of this world. It’s just something you dream about having.” Pope is being sure to take her time with America’s Song, and she is encouraged by her development. “She is filling out very nicely. I don’t think she is going to be really big, but she is staying well-balanced, which I’m really pleased about,” she said. “A lot of times when they grow, they go through very awk-

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PERFORMANCES

American Pharoah’s sensational start as a stallion included a recordsetting filly at the 2019 Keeneland September yearling sale. Whisper Hill Farm’s Mandy Pope outbid all others for the American Pharoah half sister to Beholder.

ward stages. She has not done that.” Pope emphasized that the combination of American Pharoah and Leslie’s Lady, the 2016 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year, ensures “significant residual value.” She added: “Between what her mother has produced and what her father appears to be producing, she’s got all the genetic materials.” Pope also is proud to have Songbird as part of her distinguished Whisper Hill Farm broodmare band. Songbird has a yearling filly by Arrogate that is expected to be offered later this year and a recent foal by Tapit. “Songbird is great, man,” Pope said. “She’s a wonderful mom. Everything couldn’t be going any better.” Everything also could not be going any better for Liam’s Map,

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by Unbridled’s Song out of Miss Macy Sue (Trippi). He boasts two grade 1 winners in his first crop — a colt and a filly — after Basin dominated the Hopeful at Saratoga by 6½ lengths and Wicked Whisper dashed gate-to-wire in the Frizette at Belmont Park. Since 1983, only eight other first-crop stallions counted two grade 1 winners, with only Danzig and Uncle Mo producing a grade 1-winning colt and filly. Liam’s Map finds himself in elite company as the sire of Hopeful and Frizette winners, joining A.P. Indy, Bold Ruler, Nasrullah, Mr. Prospector, and Storm Cat. Of the first-crop yearlings by Liam’s Map, one sold for $1.2 million and 33 were purchased for six figures. Liam’s Map has exceeded the wildest expectations of Lane’s End

MATT GOINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Liam’s Map retired to Lane’s End Farm, where his stallion career has gotten off to a very strong start.

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Nyquist, now a Darley stallion, emerged as the leading first-crop sire by average and median.

JAMIE NEWELL

Farm. “You don’t think of it at all,” said Lane’s End’s Bill Farish. “You hope for winners at first and then stakes winners hopefully follow and then graded from there. The real tough thing for any stallion is grade 1 winners. To have two 2-year-old grade 1 winners is pretty special.” Not surprisingly, Liam’s Map is in high demand at Lane’s End Farm, where he stands for a $35,000 fee. Liam’s Map already is attracting more appealing mares based on pedigree and performance. His book was closed at approximately 160 mares for this year. “It’s a little above what we normally shoot for,” Farish said, “but with the demand and everything, it was hard to hold him to that.” When Bell scrutinizes the progeny of Liam’s Map, he can see why the sire won six of eight starts and never finished worse than second in earning more than $1.3 million. “They have a beautiful, racy shape to them,” he said. “He’s obviously putting some of that brilliance he had on the racetrack into his offspring. Shoot, he had two grade 1 winners, a colt and a filly. You don’t luck into having two grade 1 winners in your first crop.” Elliston is sure breeders are not about to forget the awesome display he put on when he set a Keeneland track record in the Dirt Mile. “That’s a trendy avenue,” Elliston said of the distance, “because it brings speed and stamina together. You have to have speed and you have to have endurance to carry that speed for a significant amount of time.” Although Runhappy’s accomplishments can stand alone, owner Jim McIngvale is making certain his exploits are not overlooked through the most extensive stallion marketing campaign anyone can remember. The name of the son of 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver out of Bella Jolie (Broken Vow) is being attached to anything and everything, including the Eclipse Awards program and its Runhappy Horse of the Year award. McIngvale’s extraordinary efforts include offering a $100,000 bonus for any son or daughter of his 2015 sprint champion that wins a non-restricted maiden race at the Del Mar, Saratoga, and Kentucky Downs summer meets. Runhappy stands at Claiborne Farm for $25,000 and is consistently attracting full books of mares. “I told Mr. McIngvale the $100,000 bonus he came up with last year was probably as effective as anything he’s done,” said Bernie Sams, Claiborne’s bloodstock man-

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

PERFORMANCES

Runhappy, standing at Claiborne Farm, has been the subject of an extensive marketing campaign with solid results in the auction ring.

ager. “It probably helped get another bid or two out of quite a lot of people, if I had to guess.” That Runhappy ran so well without race-day medication only enhances his appeal. “It certainly makes a difference, the medication-free, especially in today’s world,” Sams said. “If he didn’t need it, you wouldn’t necessarily think his offspring would need it.” In Books 1 and 2 of the 2019 Keeneland September yearling sale, 18 Runhappy yearlings averaged $351,111. His top seller, a colt out of the Indian Charlie mare Ms. Cornstalk, was purchased from Airdrie Stud by Robert and Lawana Low for $700,000. Nyquist, by Uncle Mo out of Seeking Gabrielle (Forestry), is another new

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

Yearlings by Runhappy attracted interest at the 2019 sales.

stallion asserting himself. He commands a fee of $40,000 at Darley’s Jonabell Farm after emerging as the leading first-crop sire by average ($236,000) and by median ($223,000). Nyquist was the first 2-year-old champion

since Seattle Slew in 1977 to be undefeated when he won the Kentucky Derby. “He’s been hugely popular in the marketplace, and he’s certainly in the catbird’s seat going forward with his first

crop of 2-year-olds this year,” said Darley sales manager Darren Fox, adding, “He’s definitely in great position. After that, I couldn’t give any guarantees. But we certainly couldn’t be more excited.” There are no guarantees with any new stallion. No one can be sure of anything when it comes to breeding, which is part of the fascination with racing. The certainty is that the promising new stallions emanating from that inaugural Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland are a boon to the industry. “It drives capital; there is no question about that. It drives enthusiasm and excitement,” Elliston said. “Our market loves fresh, young stallions that bring new breeding perspectives.” There is the fervent hope that more memories and more stallions will be made on Nov. 6 and 7, when the Breeders’ Cup returns to Keeneland for a second time. KM

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+ PART 1

SINCE THE LAST CENTURY TEXANS HAVE STAKED THEIR CLAIMS IN THE BLUEGRASS, FOUNDING BREEDING DYNASTIES AND INFLUENCING THE COURSE OF THE THOROUGHBRED BUSINESS By Edward L. Bowen

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KEENELAND LIBRARY COOK COLLECTION

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION BLOODHORSE LIBRARY

COURTESY OF KING RANCH

Clockwise from top left, Robert W. McIlvain founded Walmac Farm and bred high-earning runners; Robert Kleberg Jr., with 1946 Triple Crown winner Assault, created a successful Kentucky division of world-renowned King Ranch; Edward F. Simms developed Xalapa Farm into a breeding powerhouse; Nelson Bunker Hunt (holding sales catalog and with racing manager Dan Midkiff Sr.) owned hundreds of horses and several divisions of Blue Grass Farm.

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ne recurrent theme in Kentucky’s equine history has been attracting non-Kentucky residents with the ability to create and nurture large breeding farms. In the 19th century, names such as August Belmont Sr. and Harry Payne Whitney accepted the popularized reasons why a wealthy man might choose to raise his Thoroughbreds in Kentucky — limestonenourished water amid climate and soil suitable to the imported species known as bluegrass. These were key to Belmont and Whitney’s more or less forsaking the already thriving breeding operations they had started in New York and New Jersey. The burgeoning Texas oil industry also benefited Kentucky’s horse industry. While the country’s petroleum industry was spawned in Pennsylvania in the 1850s, it was Texas oil that gave rise to the United States as a world leader in its production. It was also Texas oil that gave rise to its share of men who found horse racing an adventurous and manly way to express and enjoy their wealth.

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KEENELAND LIBRARY MEADORS COLLECTION

Robert W. McIlvain bought Walmac Farm in 1936 with wealth earned from oil and gas. The farm remains active today under new ownership.

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Leslie Combs II managed Walmac for McIlvain before concentrating on his own Spendthrift Farm.

him the distinguished stallion prospect Ardan. McIlvain asked the price, and upon learning it was “Just $400,000,” commented, “That’s fine, Leslie; what else is going on?” Combs soon left to concentrate on his own fledgling Spendthrift Farm, but McIlvain carried on and bred five racehorses that earned $100,000 each, an impressive status at the time. Walmac Farm passed first to R.W. McIlvain II. In very recent iterations the handsome property on Paris Pike outside Lexington was owned and prospered under a bona fide Texan, John T. L. Jones Jr., and his son John III and partners. (Details of that period will be addressed in the summer issue in the second article of this two-part series.) Simms built Xalapa Farm near Paris, Kentucky, into a visual showplace as well as a

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

Texans or those with Texas connections owning Thoroughbred farms in Kentucky have written a segment of the sport that has stood the test of time. This is not to suggest a sameness or patterned route of Texans hitting it big and then casting their eyes to Kentucky. Indeed, the founder of the original Walmac Farm came from the Midwest and hit his first oil well in West Virginia while Edward F. Simms started out as a Kentuckian before moving to Texas to develop the fortune that supported a grand breeding farm back home. Walmac founder Robert W. McIlvain was born in Michigan, grew up in the Dakota Territory, and prospected for gold in Colorado before turning to oil and natural gas. He was working for Ohio Cities Gas Company when he found producing wells in West Virginia. His roaming continued, but he is linked with Texas, where the Van Field became his most famous property. McIlvain purchased Walmac in 1936 and employed a young prospector of another sort, Leslie Combs II, to manage his new venture into Thoroughbreds. A Texas-sized horse story from that period found Combs one day calling the boss to tell him he had acquired for

BLODDHORSE PHOTO

Simms created a showplace at Xalapa Farm, famed for its beautiful architecture.

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COMMITTED TO OUR FUTURE Keeneland’s mission of improving and giving back to the sport of Thoroughbred racing has guided our organization for more than 80 years. As we prepare to welcome the industry to Lexington for the 2020 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, our dedication to that mission—and to the horsemen, fans and customers who support it— is stronger than ever.

Keeneland Spring Meet April 2 - 24, 2020 April Two-Year-Olds In Training Sale and Horses of Racing Age Sale April 7, 2020 September Yearling Sale September 14 - 26, 2020 Keeneland Fall Meet October 2 - 24, 2020 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland November 6 - 7, 2020 November Breeding Stock Sale November 9 - 21, 2020

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION PHOTOS

+ A curved shed row at Xalapa showcases limestone pillars and railing.

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In 1924, a wrench on Wall Street prompted him to disperse some 160 horses at auction, totaling $395,900. Among the mares sold was Rose Leaves, who was acquired by Coldsteam Stud for $1,700. Already a proven producer, Rose Leaves later foaled the remarkable sire Bull Lea, a major key in to the emergence of Calumet Farm as a monarch among breeders. Simms weathered another downward spiral and recovered again before he died in 1938. The various generations of stepdaughters, descending from his wife, Lillie Weir Simms, returned Xalapa to the spotlight from time to time. In 1991, Suave Dancer, who had been bred and sold by stepgranddaughter Lillie Fran-

zheim Webb, won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. (The farm of grandeur and history is now owned by the Hill n’ Dale Farm enterprise of prominent breeder-owner-consignor John Sikura.)

The Cowboy King

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

major player at the top levels of the Thoroughbred breeding and market segments. Edward was born in Paris in 1870 and while a young man borrowed $750 and headed to Texas with the pronouncement that he would be wealthy upon his return. He was. His arrival in Texas corresponded with an oil boom, and after he founded Simms Oil companies, he partnered with Henry Sinclair in launching Sinclair Oil Co. A Houston newspaper more or less adopted Simms for applying “the pioneering spirit of young Texas.” Back home rich, as he had pledged, Simms bought his brother’s interest in the farm and quickly earned the status of being linked with A.B. Hancock Sr. (Claiborne Farm), John E. Madden (Hamburg Place), and Col. Phil Chinn as the four most influential commercial breeders of Thoroughbreds. In 1920 Simms purchased the entire yearling crop from August Belmont II, a racing patriarch struggling a bit with the finances of the Cape Cod Canal. Had Simms been two years earlier, such a purchase would have landed in his ownership none other than Man o’ War, whom Belmont had sold largely because at that time he had been in Europe serving the United States during World War I. As it were, Simms’ bounty from the 1920 yearling purchase included Man o’ War’s full brother My Play, winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup and a successful sire. Simms’ best runners included Eternal, rival of initial Triple Crown winner Sir Barton. Simms’ high-rolling lifestyle, and the vagaries of the economy, clipped his wings financially more than once.

Under Simms, Xalapa ranked among the leading breeding establishments of the day.

Simms’ stepgranddaughter Lillie Webb bred and sold champion Suave Dancer.

If one were contemplating a movie on the subject of Texans and Kentucky horse farms, Robert Justus Kleberg Jr. could be envisioned as right from central casting. While it is to be avoided to imply that Texans must adhere to some presumptive collection of characteristics, it is irresistible to look upon Kleberg as an embodiment of many generalities. He was the epitome of the hands-on cowboy herding and roping cattle from horseback but was as comfortable in the boardroom as in the saddle. Kleberg’s grandfather, Capt. Richard King, founded the American institution revered as King Ranch. In adulthood, Kleberg, elected ranch president, was at the top of the chain of command of that family-owned Texas enterprise. King Ranch began as a cattle ranch, and even after its expansion into oil and to international status, in Kleberg’s heart he was always in the cattle business. He also was a devoted horseman, and in addition to a major influence on the creation of the American Quarter Horse as a registered entity, he segued into the Thoroughbred sphere with lasting results. Now, more than four decades after his death in 1974, Kleberg’s daughter and a quintet of granddaughters continue the legacy as Thoroughbred breeders.

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Clockwise from top left, jockey Eddie Arcaro and trainer Max Hirsch; the Klebergs’ daughter, Helen, and Assault; Gallant Bloom taking Keeneland’s Spinster Stakes; the Kentucky King Ranch office; Robert and wife Helen Kleberg at a trophy presentation flanked by Max Hirsch, left, and Alfred Vanderbilt

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+ During the early-mid 1930s, Kleberg was particularly attracted to the Thoroughbred stallion Chicaro, whom he saw on a ranch when he was dealing for some mares. After he had purchased Chicaro from J.W. Dial, Kleberg and his wife, the former Helen Campbell, visited Kentucky so he could learn more about such examples of the Thoroughbred. Chicaro had been bred by Harry Payne Whitney, one of the Eastern breeders who had a Kentucky farm. During that Kentucky visit, Kleberg said many years later, “In looking around, I ran into a very good band of mares, belonging to Morton Schwartz.” Schwartz was virtually retiring from breeding around that time, and of some 20 mares and their foals he offered at Saratoga in 1935, Kleberg scooped his first champion to be, Dawn Play, as well as the dam of his later Santa Anita Derby winner Ciencia, and the granddam of champions Stymie and High Gun. As he put it later, “And, so, I was in the racehorse business.” This was no understatement, and 11 years later his homebred Assault swept the Triple Crown of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. Assault was by Bold Venture, a Kentucky Derby winner Kleberg later purchased from Schwartz as a stallion. The combination of cattle ranch and oil works resulted in some equipment being in the pastures, and Assault apparently stepped on a sharp object. The resulting and lasting awkwardness of his stride at slow paces labeled him the “club-footed comet.” Kleberg’s longtime trainer, Max Hirsch, knew, of course, that the colt was not really club footed and worked with the injured hoof successfully to help him become the Horse of the Year as well as Triple Crown winner in 1946. Four years later Kleberg and Hirsch won two-thirds of the Triple Crown when Middleground captured the Derby and Belmont. Middleground was out of a mare

Helen Groves, with Assault in the winner’s circle, became a successful breeder and owner in her own right.

Kleberg leads in his 1954 Belmont Stakes winner High Gun.

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reer grew as if in widening concentric circles. When his daughter, Helen Groves, published her volume Bob and Helen Kleberg of King Ranch (Bright Sky Press, 2004), she included a section divided under headings of individuals with whom her father had connections. They included Queen Elizabeth, five United States presidents, the King of Morocco, Elizabeth Arden, Bing Crosby, the former King Michael of Romania, Lord and Lady Halifax, and Will Rogers. The business of King Ranch under Kleberg had spread to various countries. Kleberg had developed the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle, strengthening British shorthorns’ ability in the Texas climate with India’s Brahman breed.

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

University of Wisconsin, where they studied genetics. King Ranch’s Thoroughbred operation was a consistent leader for the remainder of Kleberg’s life. There were many highlights from horses running in the silks sporting the ranch’s Running W brand. In addition to Assault’s and Middleground’s distinctions, key achievements include the 1954 Belmont Stakes win and 3-year-old championship of High Gun and major scores by fillies such as Dotted Line, Resaca, Heartland, and Gallant Bloom. As the last champion bred by Kleberg, Gallant Bloom was champion 2-year-old filly of 1968 and champion 3-year-old filly of 1969. In his social and business life, Kleberg’s ca-

KEENELAND LIBRARY MORGAN COLLECTION

by that pivotal Thoroughbred stallion purchase, Chicaro. The year of Assault’s Triple Crown, one of the key Kentucky breeders, Col. E.R. Bradley, passed away. Since Bradley’s brother did not want to carry on the famed Idle Hour Stock Farm racing and breeding operation, a mother lode of bloodstock was available. Kleberg joined major breeders Ogden Phipps and John Hay Whitney in purchasing a large portion of the bloodstock and then divvied it up. All three obtained jewels for the futures of their breeding and racing programs. Connected to the acquisition of the new draft of Kentucky stock, Kleberg acquired a portion of the old Idle Hour Stock Farm west of Lexington. Granddaughter Helen Alexander recalled one of the advantages of having a Kentucky location for mares was concern over an outbreak of foot and mouth disease moving into Texas. (Horses do not contract the disease but are known to be carriers.) To manage the new division of King Ranch, Kleberg turned to Kentucky horseman Howard Rouse, who had been a friend back at the

BLOODHORSE LIBRARY

Kleberg’s granddaughter Helen Alexander, second from left, and Helen Groves celebrate Acoma’s victory in Keeneland’s 2008 Pin Oak Valley View Stakes with Pin Oak’s Josephine Abercrombie, who also boasts Texas roots.

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The breed adapted worldwide, and One of Bunker’s early connections to King Ranch developed outposts in racing was promoted by Edward SteAustralia and South America. Evenphenson, a prep school roommate with whom he had kept in touch. tually, 11 million square miles were At Stephenson’s suggestion, the pair under the operations of King Ranch. as a lark went to a Kentucky horse That figure has been identified as the sale and they wound up buying six greatest portion of Earth ever con- Hunt purchased an interest in Vaguely Noble, who would horses. That sextet did little for the trolled by one family (corporation) reward him as a stallion. partners other than teach them how under such benign business princito divest disappointing racehorses. ples of ownership or lease. It is said to rank Not long afterward, trainer Frank Christthird to the 13 million square miles at the mas encouraged young Hunt to take a fling at height of the British Empire and the 12.7 milthe claiming game. This appealed, Hunt said lion square miles in Genghis Khan’s Mongol years later, as “the best way for a new man to Empire. get into the business, better than buying yearKleberg’s daughter Helen Groves, a memlings … You learn about the business, and you ber of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and her own get into action sooner.” Nevertheless, what is daughters have done their heritage proudly the use of being born into Texas oil money if in her father’s revered spheres of the horse you are happy going on the cheap? In 1956 world. Helen Alexander, one of Mrs. Groves’ Hunt and Stephenson purchased the French daughters, took over running King Ranch horse Master Boing for $110,000 soon after and then developed her own Middlebrook the horse’s victory in the Washington, D. C., Farm in Lexington. International. The latter race would figure in Individually and in partnerships, Mrs. some of Hunt’s highlights as an owner, but Groves, Helen, and other daughters Emory none of Master Boing’s offspring contributed Alexander Hamilton, Dorothy Matz, Henriet- Dahlia won on both sides of the Atlantic. to those days. ta Alexander, and Caroline Forgason also have Stephenson owned Kilmaurs Stud Farm in all bred other major winners. International matter up to date, Groves and Alexander bred impact continues from the mare Courtly Dee, Covfefe, champion female sprinter of 2019. Virginia, and Hunt bought a farm in the state, whom Mrs. Groves and Helen purchased in too. He soon concluded, however, that since partnership with David Aykroyd. International Hunt the best stallions were concentrated in KenDorothy Matz, in addition to breeding As the above recounting indicates, there are tucky, his breeding operation should be there, stakes winners, is the wife of Michael Matz, differences along with a few similarities in the so he sold the Virginia property and launched who trained 2006 Kentucky Derby winner careers of Texans whose enterprises include into acquiring what would be his rambling Barbaro. Henrietta Alexander was a trainer ownership of Kentucky farms. In the case of Bluegrass Farm operation centered around in her own right and won major stakes with Nelson Bunker Hunt, he differed by placing Lexington. Meanwhile, he was professionally her mother’s Serape. Stakes winners bred by great emphasis on racing in Europe, although engaged in the oil and silver markets. Emory Alexander Hamilton include champi- he raised his horses in Kentucky. NevertheHunt did everything on a large scale, acon Queena, whom she also raced, and Simply less, his runners also made frequent impacts knowledging once, “I am kind of a high-numTricky, bred in partnership with sister Caro- in North America, as they returned from ber operator.” He added that a breeder with line Forgason. major European success to continue their dis- only five or six mares might never find a A nice family story line was developed tinctions in autumn grass races from Canada good one and further noted that, of perhaps when Dorothy Matz bred the grade I win- to Maryland. “60,000 foals born each year in the United ner Offlee Wild, whom Alexander used as a Hunt was a son of H.L. Hunt, who is re- States, Europe, Argentina, New Zealand, and stallion and bred his son Bayern, winner of garded as one of the most important figures in Australia, there would be, what, 12 top ones?” the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Bringing the the Texas oil boom of the early 20th century. Hunt wound up with hundreds of mares, but

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ed Triple Crown winners Seattle Slew and Affirmed in a memorable Jockey Club Gold Cup victory in 1978. Despite his concentration on European racing, horses bred by Hunt twice made him North America’s leading breeder in money earned. He never particularly enjoyed sella later adviser, Abram S. Hewitt, said he aling yearlings, but a broodmare band in the ways knew each mare and its offspring. hundreds made it an economical reality. He Perhaps indicative of Hunt’s initial apwas very good at it. He sold the first milproaches, the first two stakes winners he bred lion-dollar yearling, and his Bluegrass Farm (foals of 1959) were steeplechasers. Qualiwas the leading consignor at the elite ty was in the offing, however. In 1964 Keeneland July yearling sale in 1976 Hunt-bred foals included the sharp and 1978. mare Amerigo Lady, a daughter of In 1987 Hunt announced the business Stephenson’s stallion Amerigo, as well pressures related to the family-owned an initial classic winner, Gazala II. A Placid Oil Co. and other matters had daughter of 1953 Kentucky Derby brought the reluctant decision to hold winner Dark Star, Gazala II won both a dispersal. The dispersal came the year French filly classics, the Poule d’Esfollowing the collapse of the silver marsai des Pouliches (French One Thouket. Hunt and a brother, William Hersand Guineas) and the Prix de Diane bert Hunt, were found to have attempt(French Oaks). ed to corner the silver market, and the In 1967 came a pivotal moment, heavy fines imposed by a federal judge when the top English-raced 2-year-old, Hunt congratulates Etienne Pollet, trainer of Vaguely brought on bankruptcy. Vaguely Noble, came up at auction. Noble, after the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. In 1988 Hunt sold 580 horses at Hunt’s representative at the NewmarKeeneland in what was then the largest ket auction was outbid by the agent for dispersal sale in history. The gross was Dr. Robert Franklyn, who bid a record $46,911,800 and the average $27,500. price for a racehorse, 136,000 guineas He also sold his various Central Ken($342,720). Hunt, however, soon actucky farms. cepted the forthcoming invitation to Part of Bluegrass Farm was acquired buy in on the colt. by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Vaguely Noble won the climactic Maktoum, one of the major ThoroughPrix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France bred investors from the ruling family the following autumn, defeating the of Dubai. Calumet Farm’s Brad Kelley American-bred Epsom Derby winner owns another former Hunt property Sir Ivor. Vaguely Noble also put Hunt Hunt and John Gaines, left, had a fruitful association. near Blue Grass Airport. in the stallion business in a big way and Hunt, breeder of 150 stakes winners, was aligned him with John R. Gaines. The own- an International) at Canada’s Woodbine; the er of Gainesway Farm in Kentucky, Gaines Man o’ War Stakes and the Turf Classic in away from the racing industry for years, but became the mastermind of a series of acqui- New York; and the Washington, D. C., Inter- soon after the turn of the century he came sitions that distinguished his stallion roster national at Maryland’s Laurel. Hunt had sev- back in. Compared to his earlier involvewith the likes of Blushing Groom, Lyphard, en winner’s circle trips from 1973-77. Dahlia ment, his new operation was but a coda Green Dancer, and Riverman, in addition to won three of those events, Youth won two, to an extraordinary symphony, but horses again were providing an aspect of life that, and Nobiliary and Exceller won one each. the Arc winner. Dahlia and Exceller each had campaigns as always, was fun. Key among Hunt’s internationalists Hunt died at 88 in 2014. KM (after Gazala II) were Dahlia, twice winner of in North America under trainer Charlie the group 1 King George VI and Queen Eliz- Whittingham following their final Euroabeth Stakes at Ascot among a spate of Euro- pean seasons. Dahlia added a win in the (Editor’s note: Part 2 of Lone Star Legacies pean triumphs; Empery, winner of the 1976 Hollywood Invitational, and Exceller defeat- will appear in the Summer 2020 issue.) ANNE M. EBERHARDT

BLOODHORSE LIBRARY

Epsom Derby in England; Nobiliary, a group 1 winner in France who was second in the Epsom Derby; Youth, winner of the Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby), and Mississippian, a Vaguely Noble colt who was the champion 2-year-old in France. Prior to the advent of the Breeders’ Cup in 1984, with its special grass races, four autumn events on Eastern grass courses constituted an elegant and prestigious international quartet in North America: The Rothmans (Canadi-

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ST I L L HOPPING LexArts’ Hop highlights local artists and lets the community connect with Lexington’s creative spirit By Vickie Mitchell | Photos by Kirk Schlea

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City Gallery offered plenty of art to admire at a recent LexArtsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hop.

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The Hop’s 2020 poster incorporates an image of an artist putting finishing touches on a piece.

he third Friday of every other month for a quarter century, Lexington’s arts community has invited everyone to come out for a big, roving party with art at its heart. Officially, it’s called LexArts’ Hop; most, however, call it Gallery Hop or simply, the Hop. The after-work event is like a downtown progressive dinner, where free hors d’oeuvres and cheap drinks whet appetites for a main course of paintings, sculpture, and other artworks. Although there are typically 30 or more stops, most people make it to a half-dozen at most — sometimes fewer if they run into too many friends or strike up conversations with artists. “There is a wonderful social quality about it,” said Celeste Lewis, who manages the City Gallery (formerly Ann Tower Gallery) and the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. “You are seeing people you know, and it adds a party atmosphere that I love. The art world in Lexington is like a family, and they celebrate and appreciate one another. They’ve followed people’s art careers and known them for years. It is a real celebration, every other month.”

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An enduring success

Above and top, City Gallery sees many repeat visitors who enjoy following various artists’ careers.

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The five women who organized Lexington’s Hop had no idea what an enduring success it would be. Dee Peretz Fizdale and Michelle Lancaster of the Lexington Arts and Cultural Council (now LexArts); Nancy Wolsk, then-director of Morlan Gallery at Transylvania University; gallery owner Heike Pickett; and art dealer Linda Schwartz set up the framework that the event hews closely to even now. They toured galleries and venues to make sure the quality of art met standards and expectations. They made sure galleries and venues would agree to mount new exhibitions for each Hop. They set geographical boundaries to keep Hop venues within the downtown core so people could squeeze in as many stops as possible within the 5-8 p.m. time frame. When 2,500 people turned out to see 22 art venues during the inaugural Gallery Hop September 16, 1994, the organizers realized they had a visual arts hit on their hands. Fizdale remembers, “People loved it so much that they wanted us to do it every month.” While the Hop never moved to monthly,

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A popular stop on the LexArts’ Hop trail, Artists’ Attic is home to 22 artists who work in side-by-side studios.

it did expand from four times a year to six, a pattern that has continued. From the original 20 or so Hop stops, the event has grown to more than 30 — at times nearing 40 — venues. The Hop has always attracted a diverse crowd. Wolsk encouraged her students at Transy to attend, realizing it was a way for them to see art and get acquainted with the city they would live in for at least four years. “I remember telling students they The tools of the trade are on display at Artists’ Attic. could go from place to place to eat and drink and see art and that it would They are joined by young professionbe good for them.” Students from Tran- als who’ve pushed away from desks in sy, as well as the University of Kentucky, downtown offices and silver-haired grandcontinue to attend, moving in small bands, mothers who’ve driven in from the submotivated by free nibbles and cash bars. urbs. Couples of every age and gender

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use art as an appetizer before heading to dinner at a busy restaurant or bar. Young parents who started Hopping as college freshmen now herd their own small children to look at paintings and eat cookies and cheese cubes.

Showing art in an assortment of spaces From the start, the “gallery” part of the Hop has been loosely interpreted. True galleries have always been in the lineup, from privately owned spaces such as the gallery Pickett once ran on Short Street, and now New Editions Gallery, also on Short. Public galleries at Transy, UK, the public library, and LexArts were on board from the start.

Beyond galleries, the Hop’s venues get eclectic: an early 1800s living room at the historic Bodley Bullock House; hallways and gathering rooms at Christ Church Cathedral and First Presbyterian Church; once-blank walls in banks, restaurants, and retail stores; studios of working artists. Among Amy Funk’s favorite Hop stops on her after-work outings is Base 110, a coworking space for entrepreneurial types on West Vine. “It’s one of those places where you feel like you are in L.A.” Although the Hop is typically well attended, a big event downtown can occasionally put a dent in the crowd. “If there’s a UK ballgame or Luke Bryan shows up downtown, we are so screwed,” said artist Darrell Ishmael, who has a studio at Artists’ Attic, a perennial Hop participant. Less than perfect weather though — unless it’s a January blizzard — isn’t much of a deterrent. Lewis and her staff have stood before the big glass 21C Museum Hotel features revolving exhibits of contemporary art.

THE ART WORLD IN LEXINGTON IS LIKE A FAMILY, AND THEY CELEBRATE AND APPRECIATE ONE ANOTHER.” —Celeste Lewis, manager of City Gallery

Clifford Goss welcomes a Hop participant in his studio in Artists’ Attic.

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Signs encourage participants to look around every corner for art.

windows at City Gallery watching rain pour down, thinking they might as well eat all the appetizers because no one’s coming, only to find at Hop start time “14 umbrellas lined up at the front door. People came regardless,” said Lewis. “We have never had a night where we only had 12 people; there are hundreds, rain or shine.” One of the busiest venues on any night is Artists’ Attic, where 22 artists work in side-by-side studios tucked in the top floor of The Square. In a large reception area surrounded by studios, there’s always a big spread of food. Artists commit to being in attendance. For example, in January, Artists’ Attic president Sharon Ross didn’t let a mend-

ARTS ARE HOPPING

allery Hops, walks, nights, whatever you want to call them, are part of the arts landscape

in cities throughout the United States. Columbus, Ohio, has had its Hop in the city’s Short North Arts District for 35 years, a decade longer than Lexington has had its Hop. In St. Petersburg, Florida, people travel by trolley to see 25 galleries in a 30-block arts district during Second Saturday each month. In Tallahassee, home to Florida State University, a First Friday Gallery Hop in an arts district near campus has drawn

Artist Darrell Ishmael says LexArts’ Hop holds its own with similar events elsewhere.

as many as 8,000 students for art, music on three stages, and food trucks. Other

with 70 galleries and venues participating in

places add street entertainers and

its four-hour First Friday.

even monthly themes. Last year, Winston-Salem made a summertime First

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And though Friday nights seem to dominate, some choose other days of the week.

The LexArts’ Hop measures up to its peers in the estimation of artist Darrell Ishmael, who has a studio at Artists’ Attic. “We go to every Gallery Hop we find in

Friday a “Going to the Dogs!” art event

Jacksonville, Florida, does Wednesday

every city we visit — Nashville, Asheville,

with therapy dogs, dog treats, and an

evenings; Orlando, the third Thursday. Some

Vero Beach, and I think Lexington’s Gallery

agility course. Phoenix might boast one

do monthly Hops; others opt for every other

Hop is probably as active and as busy as

of the country’s largest gallery events

month or quarterly schedules.

any other city our size.”

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In addition to art, Hop goers enjoy hors d’oeuvres and socializing at Artists’ Attic.

A WINNING TR ADI TION

ing broken leg keep her away; she simply propped it up and greeted guests from a chair in her studio, which like most, feels like a cozy sitting room that has been slathered in original art. The Hop is a good opportunity for newer artists like Clifford Goss, who moved into his Artists’ Attic studio in September, to show patrons their work. His pieces are Technicolor swirls that stand out from the

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Dawna Scripps’ studio at Artists’ Attic offers a cozy nook in which to view her art.

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traditional landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that dominate the Attic. He’s happy to explain his process, which involves a horizontal acrylic pour technique. “People say they’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. Down Main Street at City Gallery, artists Patricia Baldwin Seggenbruch and Melissa T. Hall are unobtrusive as they watch Hop goers study their show. Seggenbruch’s encaustic collages are like her, quiet and understated, but they convey subtle messages. She watches as viewers study her pieces. “I need the feedback, to see the reactions.” They might bend their neck, peer a little closer, break into a smile, shed a tear. “I know then that they understand what I was doing,” she said. The Hop has achieved what it was designed to do — expose people to great art — but it has also given artists a way to view their audience and gauge the impact of their work. Lewis is an artist as well as a gallery manager, and not long ago her work was part of a Gallery Hop show. “You work in isolation a lot, and then you hang a show and step back and Hope someone sees it and enjoys it,” said Lewis. “With Gallery Hop you can see that happen.” It is, she said, “an event that brings people to your art.” KM

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Clockwise from top left, Sharon Ross, president of Artists’ Attic; Patricia Baldwin Seggenbruch’s encaustic collages; Julie Quick’s studio at Artists’ Attic; a portrait of Abraham Lincoln at 21C Museum Hotel

PLENTY OF HOPPING OPPORTUNITIES LexArts’ Hops

In 2020,

are held the third

gallery hops

Friday every other

are scheduled

month, from 5-8

for the following

p.m. although

dates:

some stops may

• March 20

vary their hours slightly. For

• May 15

specifics about

• July 17

art shows and exhibitions, which

• September 18

are always new for

• November 20

each Hop, visit www.galleryhoplex.com.

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Sculptor Jocelyn Russell put heart and soul into capturing the essence of Secretariat in her statue that now graces an entryway to Lexington

Story & Photos by Maryjean Wall

Jocelyn Russell produced a maquette of Secretariat before turning her talents to the larger-than-life-sized final version.

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ith every stride, turn of his head, and thoughtful gaze, Secretariat plumbed our emotions like no other racehorse. He was more than simply the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horse. He was a creature every one of us reimagined as something otherworldly, to be remembered forever. This was true whether he was running a race or galloping toward us at his paddock fence. In retirement at Claiborne Farm, he characteristically would skid to a stop just in time to avoid colliding with the boards. His visitors loved this manly little demonstration of just who was in charge. Secretariat loved the attention.

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ANNE M. EBERHARDT

Synappsys Digital Services scanned the maquette in 3-D and milled the foam pieces for the larger statue. Below, Russell researched Secretariatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time at Claiborne Farm, to know the horse better.

Carving a New Experience

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The Triangle Foundation’s Alex G. Campbell Jr. visited Russell’s temporary studio near the foundry in Norman, Oklahoma, as she worked to complete the sculpture.

And so, as Jocelyn Russell accepted a commission in 2018 to sculpt Secretariat in a larger-than-life bronze, she realized memory of this horse was nothing to trifle with. People recall every inch of this horse, every muscle and every sinew down to his eyelashes and the way his chestnut-colored hair turned. Alex G. Campbell Jr. had urged the Triangle Foundation, which funds private projects for public benefit, to choose Secretariat for installation in the traffic circle where Old Frankfort Pike meets Alexandria Drive. “Secretariat is the great-

est racehorse that ever lived,” Campbell said. Russell told herself, get this wrong and it would be wrong for life. But she got it right. Russell’s artistic career had seen her sculpt numerous animals with a signature realism. She recently completed a life-sized horse, the Korean race mare Sergeant Reckless, which was installed at the Kentucky Horse Park and elsewhere. Among other major installations has been the life-sized series of wild animals, including lions and elephants she sculpted for Audubon Zoo

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Russell sculpted the polyurethane foam so the horse’s muscles, mane and tail, and even his eyelashes were well defined and authentic.

in New Orleans. One of the five elephants, a bull, stands 12 feet. A connection with animals that Russell describes as almost spiritual has driven all her work. Long before the call came to sculpt wildlife for Audubon Zoo, she often traveled to Africa with her camera. She has a lifelong history with animals. She loves the horse most of all. She absorbs everything there is to an animal model, so immersed and connected that it appears she has taken on the animal’s life. During her research for the Secretariat work, she visited Claiborne Farm more than once and recalls sitting quietly next to Secretariat’s grave. The site seemed a special place to contemplate the enigmatic pull he held on people’s imaginations, even after nearly 50 years. It was not lost on Russell that while the burial practice in the Bluegrass has often been to inter only a horse’s heart and hooves, Secretariat was buried whole.

A passion for animals and art Nothing about animals has ever been lost on her. As a child growing up in the San Luis Valley in Colorado, she was

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Michael Dubail, Russell’s husband and a master welder, participated in the project.

I CAN’T IMAGINE A MORE ICONIC ANIMAL AND THE HONOR OF IT.” —Jocelyn Russell

fascinated with the wild game her father and brothers would bring home following their hunting trips. Russell recalls poking and prodding at the animal parts while her family processed the meat. When she was 12, a veterinarian hired her to clean dog cages. Eventually she was able to assist in veterinary surgery. At home she maintained a menagerie: goats, rabbits, birds, squirrels, turtles, and a donkey. For Russell, life was always all about animals.

She also learned about art as a young girl. Her mother, an artist, kept a studio where Russell amused herself with paints and clay and experimenting in stained glass, ceramics, weaving on a loom, and drawing. If she didn’t realize it then, Russell’s life course was set. Her course was directed by animals and art, aided always by her partner in life, husband Michael Dubail. The two combine their talents: He is a master welder who assembles the bronze pieces of the smaller sculptures, like dogs and other pets. The bronze parts arrive from the foundry by delivery service at their house in Friday Harbor, Washington, a place on San Juan Island accessible by ferry. For large sculptures like the Secretariat work, Russell and Dubail spend months away from home, most recently at their chosen foundry near Norman, Oklahoma, working up the model but leaving the pouring and assembly to the foundry staff. On the job site Dubail becomes the chief source of encouragement and energy during any project. He is, simply, a lot of fun and keeps everyone in good humor and on an even track.

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Russell also is outgoing and fun to be around, enthusiastic about explaining the sculpting process to patrons and visitors to her studio. One day she helped Alex Campbell, whom she called her primary “boss” on this project, to brush hot clay onto Secretariat’s foam tail. Campbell was visiting Oklahoma during the autumn of 2019 to check on her progress. The Secretariat and Sergeant Reckless memorials might not have come about had Russell not healed from a serious injury she The statue had its first public viewing at Keeneland in October 2019. incurred in the summer of 2017 in a horse A call via satellite phone to a friend back believe my arm is as healthy as it is. I thought accident. She was in the backcountry of Mongolia, on a fishing trip with her oldest in the United States got her what she need- I’d have pain the rest of my life.” son, when she dislocated her left shoulder, ed. She continued with the trip. “I couldn’t pull up my pants,” she said. “I couldn’t put Honoring a legend tearing tendons. She was traveling again when the phone The accident occurred when a horse be- my hair in a ponytail. When I got to the hohind her, whose pack slipped under its bel- tel from fishing camp I just took scissors and call came in June 2018 from Campbell, a ly, slammed into her mount and dislodged cut my hair off because it was bugging me I horse owner on the Triangle Foundation her. “I wasn’t sure I was going to be able couldn’t put my hair in a ponytail. I chopped board of directors, asking her if she would like to take on the Secretariat commission. to sculpt large monument pieces again be- it off.” Russell then flew home to Washington, Never had she considered the possibility. cause you have to reach high,” she said. She “I was actually a little bit numb,” she said. “It is right-handed but sculpts with both hands. where she underwent surgery. “The surgeon Russell enlisted her son to reposition her did a phenomenal job,” she said, “and I can’t was like Seth Hancock said, what Secretariat had done in the Belmont was shoulder in the joint. He had jaw-dropping. I remember after not had medical training, but in the backcountry you do I hung up the phone, I think my what you have to. jaw was down in my lap. I just Just as painful was the kept saying, ‘It’s Secretariat. You guide’s insistence that she not want me to sculpt Secretariat?’ I continue on the trip without a can’t imagine a more iconic anmedical release. imal and the honor of it. Then “We were only two days the magnitude really started to into a 10-day trip,” she said. sink in.” “It would have taken a doctor Coincidentally, less than a 24 hours to get to camp if he year before Campbell’s call, could: He’d have to ride horseshe had watched a video of back to get there because you Secretariat’s 1973 Belmont have to cross the river several Stakes victory. She rememtimes and it’s up to three feet bers replaying the video for Secretariat’s 31-length Belmont Stakes triumph inspired Russell. deep.” her husband, saying excitedly,

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“You’ve got to watch this race. Watch what this horse does.” Although Russell did not grow up exposed to horse racing, she says horses have always brought out her emotions. “That was the No. 1 animal of my life, the horse. It was something I always wanted, but something I never got until I was 18 and moved out of the house and bought my first horse. When I did see races or just watched them on TV, I’d bawl like a baby when they crossed the finish line.” While watching the Secretariat video, she had no idea the horse would come into her life and consume her for the year and a half it would take to produce the memorial. Russell’s work, as it does with most other artists, begins with research. This took her to Claiborne Farm to see Secretariat’s last home and took her to the eastern Canadian province of New Brunswick to meet with Secretariat’s primary jockey, Ron Turcotte. “Ronnie,” as she calls him, is just about the only living person remaining from those

closely associated with Secretariat. Penny Chenery, his owner, has died, as have trainer Lucien Laurin, groom Eddie Sweat, who was closest of all to Secretariat, and the horse’s primary biographer, Bill Nack. Russell spoke with many people who had memories of the horse. She spoke with people like modern-day trainer Bob Baffert for advice on the strides of racehorses and their foot placement as they lean into the turns. She studied photos of Secretariat. She read. And she read more. The Triangle Foundation wanted the horse in full stride, winning the Kentucky Derby as No. 1A, and Russell set out to reproduce the horse in this moment. The Triangle Foundation members awaited the initial 10inch, rough statuette Russell would craft to represent what she thought the finished work might look like. The Triangle Foundation, in commissioning a Secretariat memorial, was building on a suggestion the late Don Ball, a Central Kentucky homebuilder and owner of Donamire Farm,

A crowd gathered at Frankfort Pike and Alexandria Drive to witness the statue’s installation in the center of the traffic circle.

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Alex G. Campbell Jr. spearheaded the statue’s creation.

FOR LOVE OF LEXINGTON The Triangle Foundation is a private group founded by Alex Campbell and comprises people interested in beautifying Lexington. It has an impressive record. The foundation’s initial project was to fund the design and construction of Triangle Park across from the Lexington Center (now the Central Bank Center). The foundation brought the skate facility to Woodland Park. It funded the design and construction of Thoroughbred Park, noted for its life-sized racehorse statuary. The foundation also was responsible for Equestrian Park, a small space featuring a trio of bronze horses and their handlers at Blue Grass Airport between the terminal and car rental parking area. One of these handlers was crafted to resemble Keeneland’s longtime president, Ted Bassett, a little-known fact Bassett is quite proud of.

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had made to the Lexington-Old Frankfort Scenic Corridor Inc. The neighborhood group’s president, Tracy Farmer, said Ball’s idea was to put a sculpture of a racehorse at the center of the roundabout. Here is where Campbell took the reins. He’s a businessman and a longtime owner of racehorses who firmly believed that horse should be Secretariat. In making his pitch, Campbell effectively stated that Secretariat “was the only horse to win all three [Triple Crown] races and set the track record at all three places. It’s a mathematical fact which horse is the greatest.” The question of which horse is greatest has always positioned Secretariat in a rivalry with Man o’ War and Citation. Secretariat was hugely popular and so welcome on the sports scene that he made the cover of Time magazine in 1973. A generation later he was the subject of a movie released in 2010, titled Secretariat, directed by Randall Wallace. Diane Lane played Penny Chenery, the self-described “housewife” who stepped forward upon her father’s illness into the prevailing man’s world of her era to head the family’s Meadow Stable in the horse’s ownership. The Triangle Foundation approved Russell’s 10-inch statuette, then gave further approval of the 29-inch clay maquette of Secretariat in full stride, Turcotte aboard. The maquette went to Synappsys Digital Services in Norman where a 3-D digital program recreated the maquette precisely, enlarging its measurements digitally. The digital program enabled a precise milling of the horse from chunks of polyurethane foam. These chunks were assembled and became a recognizable Secretariat in foam. At this stage Russell sculpted the foam, making sure the horse’s muscles, eyelashes, checkered blinkers, and even his coat were well-defined. The foam horse then was

painted with hot clay, warmed in crock pots, that Russell and Dubail brushed onto the foam. Following the clay application, the parts were disassembled into 35 or 40 pieces. These clay-encased foam pieces became individual molds for the pouring of the molten bronze. The bronze was poured about a mile away at a foundry called The Crucible. It was here that Secretariat became … well, Secretariat, recognizable in bronze right down to his well-known facial expression. The foundry reassembled all the pieces and welded them together. Russell said, “I say it’s fine art at its finest because they’ll take sledgehammers and jacks and all kinds of things to force metal into position and make it fit.” The large horse is hollow inside but is supported by a large interior armature. Two Secretariats were made of the same size, and Russell was working on finding a home for the second memorial, much as she has done with Sergeant Reckless, who has been installed at a variety of locations. Another 100 small, bronze maquettes of about 18 inches and 28 inches were poured and are for sale. The first Secretariat statue arrived from Oklahoma at Keeneland for an unveiling Oct. 12, a Saturday, in front of the sales pavilion. Russell said she felt overwhelmed, and so very pleased, with the result of her 18 months of work on the horse. Spectators, likewise, appeared pleased with Secretariat’s likeness because he was so lifelike. The following Monday, Secretariat was taken on his flatbed trailer, pulled behind a pickup truck, and lifted into place via crane at his permanent new home at the traffic circle. There he marks a gateway into the horse farms along Old Frankfort Pike, a fitting tribute to the well-loved horse and to his sculptor who got it right. KM

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Executive chef Larry Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to detail is reflected in the many popular menu items.

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n 2014 Mark Fichtner jotted down on a napkin, “Ralph Lauren walks into a barn.” No, it wasn’t the beginning of a joke, but the beginning of a concept that would change the face of downtown Lexington’s dining scene.

Two years later, in November 2016, Carson’s Food & Drink opened its doors on the east end of Main Street, and it was indeed as if the arbiter of elegance and sophistication had invaded the very symbol of rustic ruggedness. European mirrored chandeliers cast a glow on the wall-length bar, whose shelves had come from Calumet Farm. Leather and brick mesh with industrial materials as design elements. Murals depicting Thoroughbred farms and bourbon distilleries adorn the walls. “I wanted a space that whispered elegance and at the same time screamed approachability,” said Fichtner. If the 13,000 people who book a table at Carson’s every month are any indication, Fichtner, a first-time Lexington restaurant owner, has achieved his goal and then some. In Lexington, where 20 restaurants opened in 2019 while 40 closed, staying power is a must.

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The wall-length bar pays tribute to the bounty of Kentucky’s bourbon industry. Below, the dining room reflects rugged chic.

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RECIPE Fichtner attributed the success of Carson’s, named for his 24-year-old son, business associate, and “best friend,” to the fact it was able to fill a niche — somewhere between lower-end chains and high-end restaurants such as Dudley’s and Portofino. “You can come in here wearing jeans and sneakers and order a beer and a burger, or you can don your best duds and opt for filet and champagne,” he said, adding, “We want both experiences to be equally great.” To that end, he hired Lexington native Larry Hunter as executive chef. Hunter, whose impressive resume includes stints at Boone Tavern, Stanley Demos’ Coach House, Keeneland, and DeSha’s and Horse & Barrel, is an overachiever in the kitchen. He admits to being both creative and opportunistic. For example, his chili, a very labor-intensive dish with three levels of heat, is his own creation, while he “borrowed” his pork belly sage dressing recipe from his grandmother. Regardless of whether his recipes are original or borrowed, his attention to detail and the amount of time he’s willing to spend to make each dish perfect does not go unnoticed by appreciative diners. For example, he glazes every piece of seafood, chicken, and beef with drawn truffle butter to enhance its flavor. He also spends three hours creating his bearnaise sauce, making his own vinegar reduction and adding tarragon, thyme, and other herbs. He’s equally committed to his labor-intensive philosophy. From weighing every piece of fish to opening each shipment of berries, nothing escapes Hunter’s attention. “Our ribs go through seven processes before they are ready to go on the plate,” he said, which may explain why they have become the most popular dish on the 47-item menu.

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Owner Mark Fichtner, right, named the restaurant for son Carson, who serves as creative director.

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Sunday brunch always draws a crowd for the food, beverages, and jazz. Owner and chef strive to enhance the menu while preserving the items diners like best.

Hunter, who collaborates with Fichtner on every menu selection, said his culinary philosophy is “approachable yet diverse … sort of a Southern California, where Mark is from, meets the South, where I was born and raised.” When asked how often he changes his menu, Hunter explained that because every item is a seller, he and Fichtner have chosen to update and refine the menu rather than change it. That means diners can always get the shaved prime rib sandwich with bourbon mushrooms and onions, horseradish cream, mozzarella, and rosemary demi-glace. Likewise, the grilled salmon Oscar served on Yukon gold garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus topped with bearnaise and truffle buttered crab will always be available. As will the filet medallions (two 4-ounce medallions served with Yukon gold garlic mashed potatoes with rose-

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mary demi-glace, asparagus, and bearnaise and garnished with microgreens and an edible orchid). “These are our top three best-sellers,” said Hunter. “Why would we even think about taking them off the menu?” Another factor Fichtner and Hunter are committed to is affordability. Prices for these three fan favorites range from $16 to $36. Still, just because Hunter isn’t in favor of taking dishes off the menu doesn’t mean he’s averse to adding them. “A spicy seafood jambalaya is a dish I’m currently working on perfecting for inclusion on the menu,” he said. So, we know what his customers like. What are Hunter’s own favorites among his vast repertoire? What would he choose if he were dining in his own restaurant? “I’d start with the ahi poke lettuce wraps, move on to the crab medallions, and finish

up with the bread pudding,” he said. Side note on the bread pudding: It was voted Lexington’s best at the 2018 Taste of the Bluegrass, joining 2017 winner shrimp and grits in scoring a double play for Carson’s among Lexington diners. OVERNIGHT SENSATION 25 YEARS IN THE MAKING Fichtner may be the current darling on the Lexington restaurant scene, but it didn’t happen overnight. He left California for the Bluegrass 25 years ago and immediately fell in love with the region. While he worked with his former in-laws selling Thoroughbreds at Keeneland, the restaurant industry — which he has been a part of for 41 years — is his real love. He knew he wanted to open a restaurant in Lexington. “There’s not a lot that I feel I’m really good

at,” he said, “but I have a passion for this business that has never wavered.” Even with his passion, the road to success hasn’t exactly been paved with yellow bricks. The early years were spent working for other corporations such as Blue Grass Hospitality Group, and following the economic downturn of 2008 when he lost his entire savings, the Tavern Restaurant Group, which oversaw DeSha’s and Horse & Barrel. After five years with the Tavern Group, Fichtner decided it was now or never to make his dream a reality. He took a few months off to ride his Harley and ponder his future and that of his then 12-year-old son, who was living with him following a divorce. His soul-searching led to two things — the decision never to work for someone else again and the vision that led to the scribbling on that napkin. He knew he wanted a

restaurant of his own, and he knew he wanted it to embody both elegance and sophistication and ruggedness and approachability. He wanted a great location, good visibility, and a viable demographic mix. He wanted a building that transitioned well between the seasons — a fireplace for the winter months and an outdoor patio for spring, summer, and fall dining. He wanted a staff that shared his vision, and he wanted to build a company he himself would be proud to work for. Above all, he wanted to become part of the fabric of the city — “not just a restaurant but a gathering place,” as he explained it. From all these wishes, Carson’s Food & Drink was born. In his quest to create a place that reflects Kentucky and life in the Bluegrass, he began amassing items that would tell the commonwealth’s story. The wood on the walls came from his ex-in-laws’ horse farm,

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Sierra. The 1930s barn doors that decorate the entry wall are from Dixiana Farm. Wood for the wall behind the Maker’s Mark table on the patio came courtesy of the distillery’s rickhouse. “I didn’t want to just fill the restaurant with items but with items that had compelling stories behind them,” he said. The most meaningful item is a Bible buried two feet below the front door that belonged to Fichtner’s grandfather and father and was passed down to him and his son. “I wanted everyone who walked through the door to know that they are walking on a strong foundation of four generations of my family,” he said. And while he has welcomed celebrities such as Janet Jackson and Kid Rock, he insists the regular guests are the real rock stars. “These are the people we want to celebrate,” he said. HOPING TO REPLICATE SUCCESS Now that Carson’s Food & Drink has become one of Lexington’s most successful restaurants, and Fichtner has his dream staff in place (in addition to Hunter, his son, Carson, serves as the creative director of the parent company, Palate Restaurant Group), where does he go from here? The answer is the south end of Lexington, more specifically a new development called Palomar Fountains at Harrodsburg Road and Man o’ War Boulevard. If all goes according to plan, he will begin construction on a second Carson’s in April with a targeted November opening date. Fichtner said it will be a from-theground-up venture, and following the adage “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” will mirror the downtown location’s rustic elegance. He said there will be several notable additions: weekend jazz (the original location has a popular Sunday jazz brunch), an extensive raw bar, and Riley’s Lounge, a rooftop speakeasy overlooking the fountains, where Fichtner claimed they will bring craft cocktails to a whole new level. Further down the road, he hopes to add a third Carson’s in Hamburg. But for now, he’s

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CARSON’S FOOD & DRINK 362 Main St. Lexington, KY (859) 309-3039 www.carsonsfoodanddrink.com Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 – 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Happy hour, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday

focused on maintaining his niche in the Lexington restaurant scene, operating on the premise that he’s not just serving food and drinks, but becoming part of people’s lives. In describing his relationship with his devoted patrons, he said, “My job is to create a quality dining experience in a unique environment; their job is to create memories.” KM

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Anna, an art student, gets some pointers from instructor Jennifer Zingg.

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Making a Difference

A SCHOOL TO CALL HOME Stewart Home & School Celebrates Lifelong Learning

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A historic photo shows students enjoying a ride in a pony cart. Today, the school welcomes students from 38 states and five foreign countries.

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S Dr. John D. Stewart is the fifth generation of his family to serve the school. The portrait behind him shows his great-great grandfather, John Quincy Adams Stewart, who founded the school. Above right, Stewart pauses to talk with members of the staff, which totals 180.

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ituated on the historic grounds of the former Kentucky Military Institute in Frankfort, the Stewart Home & School stands as one of the oldest family-run businesses in Kentucky.

Dr. John Quincy Adams Stewart — a native Kentuckian who earned his law degree at 18, participated in the California Gold Rush and then returned to Kentucky to earn his medical degree from the University of Louisville in 1859 — began the school in 1893 to serve students with intellectual disabilities. Today, his great-great grandson Dr. John D. Stewart carries on that same mission as chairman. He’s assisted by a brother and two sisters, who play active roles at the school; CEO Barry Banker, his brother-in-law; and about 180 dedicated staff, including on-site health care providers, teachers, therapists, resident hall attendants, and food service providers. Part of the fifth generation to oversee the school, Stewart literally grew up on its campus: As a boy, he lived with his parents and siblings in one of its dorms. As he strolled through the school’s picturesque 90-acre campus recently, residents frequently came up to give “Dr. Johnny” a hug or high-five — bonded by the fact they, too, feel totally at home there.

Marta, Jane, and Sarah (front row, left to right) sing in a choral class conducted by Michael Grant. The school’s active music program is among the many offerings.

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Making a Difference A SCHOOL TO CALL HOME

Douglas participates in the school’s popular equestrian program. Betsey Grewe, the program’s director, works with approximately 110 students, who ride independently, go for carriage rides, compete, or enjoy another aspect of horsemanship.

SHARED COMMUNITY Stewart Home & School currently serves approximately 350 students between the ages of 15 and 90 from 38 states and five foreign countries. Its residents represent a wide range of intellectual abilities and interests. Some have Down syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, or cerebral palsy; others were born with less well-known conditions such as Williams syndrome or fragile X syndrome. Many come to the campus having completed a high-school

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special education curriculum and look to Stewart Home & School as the next step in their pursuit of lifelong learning. The school has no upper age limit, and some residents make the campus their permanent home. Others use the school as a stepping-stone between parental care and greater personal independence. Several Stewart students work part-time at restaurants and businesses in Frankfort, including one who just completed 10 years of service at Fazoli’s. “Our students are the most wonderful people,” said director Sandra Bell, who first joined the school’s staff in 1970 as a speech pathologist. “Their relationship with each other — their friendships and support of each other — is really at the heart of everything here.”

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Making a Difference A SCHOOL TO CALL HOME

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH Opportunities for engagement at Stewart Home & School are seemingly endless. Residents can attend an array of daily, 45-minute classes that fit their interests and abilities, from science, math, and reading to computer lab and current events. The school also boasts an active music program — including a popular handbell choir — as well as in-demand art studio classes, where residents can enjoy painting, jewelry making, sculpting, and more. “Our handbell choir has played at the White House, under [President] Clinton,” said Stewart, who has worked at the school full time since retiring in 2016 after a 32-year career with Fayette Surgical Associates. For Jennifer Zingg, the art studio instructor at Stewart Home & School, the chance to work with such a unique group of students has been especially fulfilling.

“I love working with these students,” Zingg said. “I love the boost of confidence that I see in our students that comes from discovering something [artistically] that they’re able to do. [Art] is a gift or talent that many of them may not have known they had before coming here.” Outside of class, students can get involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including basketball, cheer, track and field, soccer, softball, tennis, and swimming. Many residents enjoy representing Stewart Home & School in their preferred sports through Special Olympics competitions throughout the year. The grounds also include a well-equipped onsite fitness center, a fishing pond, and a state-of-the-art equine facility — including an indoor riding arena — which allows residents to enjoy lessons on riding and equine care. “There’s totally a different atmosphere here [at the barn] than

Art student Carin displays her handiwork, a painted barrel featuring a horse.

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anywhere else on campus,” said Betsy Grewe, Stewart School’s equestrian director. “Our horses are super calm. They just want to be petted and loved and fed.” “A lot of times our students will treat this as their getaway; they can come down here [and just enjoy being with the horses],” added the equine program’s assistant director, Abby Schrey. Currently, about 110 students participate in the equestrian program at Stewart Home & School in one capacity or another. Some enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides while others ride independently and even compete in equestrian competitions through Special Olympics. One resident currently at the school is a skilled competitor on the local hunter/jumper circuit. “She has amazing talent. She competes — and often wins — without anyone knowing she has any intellectual disabilities at all,” Bell said. “We love being able to have our students pursue their passions.”

THE COMMUNITY HERE IS REALLY SO FRIENDLY…IT’S A VERY WARM PLACE TO BE.” —Anna, a student

FOSTERING STUDENT SUCCESS Exceptional students aren’t hard to find at Stewart Home & School. They’re everywhere you look. The campus is home to students such as Anna, the student body’s elected mayor, who works three days a week at a Frankfort Chick-fil-A, plays basketball and soccer competitively on the school’s teams, and has developed a true talent for painting since she arrived. Her inventive, colorful animal paintings — everything from pigs and giraffes to alpacas and horses — have found willing and eager buyers at local craft fairs. “[Anna] has a very unique style, very colorful and abstract,” said Zingg. “She is very gifted with color.” “The community here is so friendly; it’s really open and everyone is so nice,” Anna said. “It’s a very warm place to be.” The school is home to Jimmy, too, who — though he’s a native of New England — was decked out head-to-toe in University of Kentucky gear as he worked at the school’s front office, in excited preparation for a trip to watch a game at Rupp Arena. On campus, the smiles of students like Douglas, the student body chaplain, are contagious. The Atlanta native’s joy was evident as he described how much he enjoys living at Stewart Home & School. “It really is fun. I love it here,” he said. Casey, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, who serves as

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Students Christine and Rachel enjoy a dance class.

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Making a Difference A SCHOOL TO CALL HOME

the student body secretary, lit up while talking about her favorite class — reading — and upcoming basketball practices and games, as well as the student council’s role in helping plan activities for the annual Family Weekend, when many students’ families come to visit. Meanwhile, Stewart Home & School’s vice mayor Marta, whose family lives in Nashville, couldn’t hide her excitement about a recent volunteer trip to socialize with the animals at an area humane society. “We got to hold the dogs and cats and play with them, and they advertised on TV that they were adoptable,” Marta said. “It was pretty awesome.”

MAKING MEMORIES During a recent visit, upcoming — or past favorite — vacations were a popular topic of conversation for many of the students.

The Stewart School & Home encompasses 90 acres.

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Last year’s school trip was a Disney cruise; this year students are looking forward to exploring Nashville’s Music Row. Past trips have included Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean. In addition to annual weeklong trips, the school organizes multiple daytrips throughout the year to museums, parks, and fun regional attractions such as Kentucky Kingdom. Students also routinely visit Frankfort dance studios, swimming pools, movie theaters, bowling alleys, golf courses, and more. It’s one small way the school’s staff works to ensure that students have access to all the joys of life — both on and off campus. “Some of our older students don’t have family living now, and others have parents who are older and aren’t able to travel, but as a school we are able to arrange these trips — and the students love getting to do them together,” Bell said. Funded entirely through tuition with no outside grants or donations, the school offers welcomed peace of mind for aging

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Making a Difference A SCHOOL TO CALL HOME

parents of adult special needs children, in particular. Oftentimes, instructions for long-term student care at Stewart Home & School are incorporated into families’ wills or estate plans. “It’s a sacred thing, really, because what they’re saying to us is, ‘I want you to take care of my child when I’m gone,’ ” Bell said. “I cannot say enough about the rare and exceptional people that live and work at Stewart Home & School,” Sandy, a mother to Stewart student Caroline, wrote in an open letter that is shared on the school’s website. “From staff to students, I am constantly amazed and inspired by the special care, love, and joy that is part of their daily lives.”

school works hard to provide opportunities for every student interest. Many students receive vocational training and can choose to work in paid positions or as volunteers on campus as administrative assistants, grounds crew members, or kitchen assistants. “Our students are very reliable and conscientious, so they’re wonderful employees,” said Bell. “They love helping, and they love working.” At the school’s on-campus fitness center, where soaring windows overlook the pastoral farmland nearby, 30-year Stewart Home & School staffer Pam Andrews projects a fun and inviting atmosphere where students can fine tune their exercise routines on rows of stationary bikes and treadmills.

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When students find an area they love — such as art or music — they’re free to explore it as much as they wish. “Many times, if a student is very interested in a specific subject — such as the art studio, or perhaps in the music room, in a band or choir — they can choose to stay there all morning or all afternoon,” Bell said. Carin, a student from North Carolina, spends ample time in Zingg’s art studio, crafting unique sculptured birds using paper collage. Carin’s creations have been so in demand at local art fairs that Zingg may eventually help her sell them online. “Our range of care is wide. We have students that we dress and feed, but we have others who have no outward signs of any learning disabilities at all,” Bell said. “Our students are all unique. Our focus is on how we can help each of our students to continue to grow and move forward,” she added, “that could be academically or socially, or with their independent living skills.” KM

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Keeneland Team Profile SPRING 2020

KEENELAND BUILDING SERVICES TEAM

“Whenever patrons say they love Keeneland and comment about the cleanliness of the buildings and the grounds, that’s a testament to the people who work here,” Director of Building Services Justin Frakes said. Building services comprises 15 full-time employees led by Frakes, building services assistant Emma Tatum, and head foreman Christina Murphy. Half of the building services team has more than 15 years’ experience with Keeneland; Tatum is celebrating her 40th year at Keeneland. Seventeen temporary staff members support the full-time team year-round, and the crew grows to 130 with the addition of seasonal employees during the spring and fall race meets. The responsibilities that fall to building services are as vast and diverse as Keeneland’s 1,000-plus-acre campus, and the team’s dedication is reflected in the beauty of the clubhouse and grandstand, sales pavilion, Keeneland Library, Keene Place, Entertainment Center, and other locations. In addition to Keeneland’s annual race meets and Thoroughbred auctions, the staff provides setup, maintenance, and cleaning services for numerous special events held at the track throughout the year. In 2019 Keeneland hosted 400 special events, including more than 40 weddings.

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PHOTOS BY Z

he building services team takes great pride in the care and maintenance of Keeneland’s iconic facilities and their role in providing race fans, sales clients, and visitors throughout the year the most memorable experience possible.

Keeneland’s building services team stays busy year-round.

Events ranged from small receptions and dinners to parties for well over a thousand people. A four-person crew overseen by Brenden Chandler, special events set-up coordinator, provides operational support. “Often we may have as many as three special events in one day,” Frakes said. “Last year we held Taste of the Bluegrass for a thousand people at the Entertainment Center on a Friday followed by a wedding on Saturday. We turned the facility around in a matter of hours.”

This year, building services will be key to helping Keeneland prepare to welcome guests from around the world for the Railbird music festival and Breeders’ Cup World Championships. “We coordinate closely with the Keeneland Hospitality, special events, and outside maintenance teams, all of us working together toward one common goal: to offer our guests the high-quality experience they associate with Keeneland,” Frakes said. KM