Seth Hancock among 2026 Racing Hall of Fame inductees

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (WKYT) — Seth Hancock, who ran Paris, Kentucky-based Claiborne Farm for more than 40 years, was one of 11 people inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Friday.

Inducted in the Pillars of the Turf category, Hancock was honored for his “extraordinary contributions to thoroughbred racing in a leadership or pioneering capacity at the highest national level,” according to Hall of Fame officials.

Hancock, a University of Kentucky graduate, took over operations at Claiborne Farm following his father’s death. His decision to create a $6 million syndicate for Triple Crown winner Secretariat in 1973 was considered a groundbreaking move in the industry.

Hancock was also instrumental in the establishment of the Breeders’ Cup.

Also among the inductees was Dr. Robert Copelan, one of the 11 founding members of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Copelan was a pioneer in equine surgery after beginning his career as an exercise rider at Lexington’s Calumet Farm.