Life's Work: Oral History - Seth Hancock, Claiborne Farm

[@chirelle.alanalooney8609]

What a wonderful man Seth Hancock is in every way!

[@hollykiebler4137]

I CANNOT get enough of watching Secretariat race...I realize that every time I am watching these old vids I have a smile on my face followed by tears in my eyes. What I wouldnt give to go back in time and see him win the Triple Crown, I wish I knew what it was that brings so much joy to my heart - I know that many people feel the same. TY for this video, What a great horse and a great family.

[@jm1657]

💯 There was just something magical about Secretariat ❤

[@tomcarter9677]

For me it's his humble beginnings and knowing that God created this masterpiece in the form of what Penney described as Secretarist demonstrated his Alpha Male tendency at an early age and in the early body of a horse that his Groom Edward Sweat said when they first received Secretarist he didn't think much of him because he considered him to be fat, clumsy and he devoured his food as though it was going to run away from him. It's the ordinary look that fools and surprises everyone. Secretarist was that blessing and gift God graced us with.

[@elizabeth3050]

MR HANCOCK,I forgot to tell you what a beautiful and HUMBLE PERSON that you are.there are not to MANY of you around these days.

[@davidflenor50]

A great story

[@MikeJohnson-dr2tu]

Seth Hancock seems like an extremely humble , honest man . I am truly beside myself watching this interview and hearing his stories . He gives credit to everyone around him but himself . Un heard of in todays world . We need people like Mr. Hancock to speak to our younger generations and maybe some of his selflessness would rub off on them . I wish I had better words to describe how I feel after watching this .

[@valeryminges3508]

Loved your story. What a big responsibility you took on at such a young age. BTW. Our Mothers were cousins! We used to visit when we were very young when we were in Florida.

[@atticuskilby515]

The "gypsy touch", an ability to communicate with the horse without words, an intuitive ability to know by observing.

[@StanBenson-xh4ny]

Last summer i had chance to visit briefly with Seth. What a good guy. I told him that i had visited his family's farm three times in my life, seeing Bold Ruler and Round Table the first time, next seeing and petting Secretariat and years later the same with Mr. Prospector. We both agreed that covered a lot of ground. But the next thing he said was asking how i was treated each time. The best, of course, i said. That pretty much tells you all you need to know about Seth Hancock.

[@nealbennett4950]

I could listen to him and the late Mr. Nack talk about Secretariat all day everyday .

[@randybutler4772]

Thank you for sharing 🐴.

[@sandracatalano8134]

I worked at that magical farm , couldn't be more proud of it. Very classy,great family / horse oriented people. An honor to know them all

[@jm1657]

What a lovely testimonial

[@Trampus002]

Could listen to Seth all day long. So many memories and interesting stories he gives us.

[@Sobolady89]

Such a humble man. You can tell how much he loves horses.

[@theearl1477]

I'll say it too. This is an outstanding interview! Theresa Byrnes-Cordas below said it all. Seth is a gentleman and a stand up man. Horse racing is in his blood. Swale was a tragedy. He was well on his way to greatness. It's nice knowing he's had continued success long after Secretariat. I saw the 1973 Belmont live and still tear up to this day when I watch it rime and rime again in what was a magnificent performance yet to be equaled to this day.

[@sheilatruax6172]

I was an oddball in the late 60s and 70s. Didn't like Nasrullah bloodlines. Only exceptions I made was Northern Dancer and Ruffian, both because their moms were daughters of Native Dancer. But I was blown away by Secretariat's Belmont. I had backed Sham in all 3, but Secretariat's Belmont was so transcendent! I still watch it with an open mouth!

[@theearl1477]

@@sheilatruax6172 you have good taste in horses. Ruffian is one of the greatest ever. In her honor look at her career record. You will see because of her breaking down in the match race the horse racing community never recorded her with a loss. She was in the lead race to point in every one of her races. In modern times I think Barbaro comes to mind.

[@sheilatruax6172]

@@theearl1477 At every single pole she had nothing but 1s. She was, to quote Man O'.War groom, Will Harbut, "She was the most horse." Only he said it about the original Big Red!

[@deborahjakeman1112]

Love you Seth, 20:45

[@jameskeeney2966]

Very soft-spoken and humble man but a giant in the thoroughbred industry.

[@elizabeth3050]

MR HANCOCK (SETH)if I may me and my family came to Claiborne when SECRETARIAT had only been there for a couple of years.Everyone was so nice and polite and they even let me PET SECRETARIAt,it was SUCH a THRILL, however I do so wish that I had thought to get some clippings of his MANE. I know that you have had a great many good champions,but no champ like the greatest champion that has ever LIVED,in my OPINION I DO So HOPE to visit SECRETARIAT'S last resting place before I leave this earth,and thank you so much for taking such GOOD CARE of My HEART

[@mjz8373]

Excellent documentary. Thank you.

[@johnforeman634]

The fact that this very young person put together a deal of that magnitude is just incredible. What confidence he had! So mature for his age. What a guy!

[@elizabeth515]

Most favorite horse of all time for me is and will always be the Great SECRETARIAT

[@robdull5582]

What a great guy!!! Very humble and genuine

[@jm1657]

“a horse by the name of Secretariat.” *goosebumps*

[@guidododo4822]

I'm glad Secretariat was sold to Seth. He's such a nice man.

[@elizabethcoombe248]

This is an awesome look at Seth Hancock, and his love for what he does. Thanks Seth!

[@tontastoner9141]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story of a fascinating life with one of the Lord’s greatest creatures.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

There'll never be another horse like Secretariat. He set records that likely will never be broken either. Many years ago, I took my 4 young daughters to Claiborne Farm to see/meet Secretariat during a vacation trip south.

[@chirelle.alanalooney8609]

Boy, Seth Hancock sure does know what he's taking about, and that's a Fact.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Seth Hancock is a very kind, soft-spoken, and humble man that was a big part of Secretariat's success. 1983, during a vacation trip to Florida, I took my 4 daughters to visit Claiborne Farm to see Secretariat. We got to meet and talk with Seth that day for a little while. During our return trip home, we visited Claiborne Farm again but Seth wasn't there that day.

[@georgesouthwick7000]

Hard to think of Claiborne Farm and Seth Hancock without thinking of Secretariat.

[@jeremyseals2997]

I could listen to Mr. SETH HANCOCK AND Arthur Hancock talk all day about the great thourobred horses and trainers, Mr. Woody Stevens ect. BECAUSE I LIVE IN THE BLUE GRASS STATE AND IT REALLY MEANS MORE THAN ALOT!!!!!

[@warhorse65]

Thank you for the trip down cemetary lane. I was hired just after Lech passed. Calumet, not Claiborne. Still, same part of the planet. Some mornings, when there is a little bit of frost, something makes one stop. Pause. Look. The Danzigs, though smaller, could keep pace with the Mr Prospectors. Smaller, but equal. Just checking water. A herd thunders past. A thought-bubble pops up. (I will not repeat it here, it was filled with juvenile obscenities.) The Danzig colt was in the lead, over mares three times his life, experience - but he was a Danzig. "Dang, that was cool. Want to run along?" Me: "Uh, not today, I have coffee brewing." Or, better, after a night-time storm - "Is it brekkie yet?" Me: "You're bleeding, part of your hoof is missing." "Yeah. Is it brekkie yet?" That was the colt who taught me that I could 1) un-bandage, 2) clean, and 3) re-bandage the wounded foot with no-one holding the horse. The horse is very well aware he has a boo-boo, and a weakling two-legger was there to treat it. Sending in a half-dozen two-leggers is the equivalent to sending in a pack of wolves. As much as I am taught by other horsemen and veterinarians, the horses are more than equal. Smarter. Quicker. Very, very sensitive. At the same time, able to tolerate freezing rain. (Personal fave - Devil His Due. Glorious. Ever the sire. Yet a perfect gentleman. I could drop his lead, run into the office to answer the phone, come back out five minutes later, and the Devil was reading the NYT and checking his wrist-watch. "Can I go now? I really gotta pee.") Night-watch on a horse farm can get really interesting.

[@ballenkerr7843]

I absolutely loved this. I hope to meet Mr Hancock one day.

[@jp-lr7gu]

Most enjoyable. Claiborne and the Hancocks set the standard for the industry.

[@chirelle.alanalooney8609]

I'd Love to know what the Autopsy said about Swale's Death, and what could have Killed Him at 3 Years of Age.

[@stevecochran2677]

Seth is sure right about his son. Just look at it this way, the young man grew up on the farm so at say 18 years old , his son already had 18 years experience.

[@tomcarter9677]

Mr. Hancock said it best "It's what we do st Claiborne". A very lovely man but I wish Penny would have kept Big Red at Meadows Farms and made potentially suitor come there.

[@danielburns6634]

I am wrapped up in the "Hancock Legend". Hope one day I can own a few.

[@christinematton4125]

Such a great man !

[@suegervais9300]

Love this farm! Seth you did well!

[@WindowsPlus]

Love his Kentucky accent

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

What a great interview. Thanks for posting it. I was there at Claiborne back in 1989 and got to see Secretariat, Danzig, Mr. Prospector, and all of the rest of the great horses. It was a great memory.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Secretariat was "put down" in 1989.

[@jm1657]

@@sergeantmasson3669 But not until Oct. 4, to be exact.

[@lespangen]

Wow what a line up you saw😬

[@peggypapczun2906]

I've been enthralled with the Hancock family and Claiborne Farm since I was a little kid. Thanks so much for this wonderful, informative video, and please give us more!

[@leightonkelvin4984]

@Moses Arturo instablaster ;)

[@leightonkelvin4984]

@Moses Arturo You are welcome =)

[@marthaoliver5442]

Love everything about Horse Racing.Favorite horse of ALL TIME was SECRETARIAT!!!

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

I like listening to his voice.

[@jeremyseals2997]

A True Gentleman

[@elpotrovallo5655]

God bless 🙏this farm and this people and America race 🙏🙏🙏

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

He's an amazing man and an incredible horseman

[@PD-hv4js]

Impressive

[@chirelle.alanalooney8609]

OMG, Swale dropped dead and died at only 3 years old. That is just shocking to me, because that is too young to die. Was he Over Trained or Over Worked too hard?

[@georgiagirl1961]

The best. So humble, smart and real. I oved him the first time I heard him and saw him. He hais grown in his crown as Claiborne King and into s wise man. He always has a comforting, kind voice and I believe his handshake is worth millions. Too bad that jerk ar Calumet didnt offer Alydar'e to him instead of the horrific things he did with the farm and to to him. Speaks volumes of the character and person working and growing up in the business and marrying into the top position. He ruined Calumet and brought a dynasty to its knees when he buried that horse by his own hand. He was worth more as a stallion than the 20 plus million he fraudulent took from the insurance policy. Damn shame. Certainly couldnt shine Seth Hancocks boots, nor should he be given the privilege.

[@johnforeman634]

No kidding right? When I heard about what that sick bastard did to that beautiful innocent horse I was so furious wanted to go find him and do the same to him.

[@chirelle.alanalooney8609]

Swale was only 3 years old when he dropped dead and died. What caused that? Did they ever find out by an Autopsy?

[@deliasadler8845]

Seth, what an absolutely wonderful history of Claiborne, et al, with your personal perspective. Whenever Claiborne posts on my FB page, it brings back such wonderful childhood memories spending so much of my time with Dell on the farm. And though I moved from Paris as an adult, I always visited when in town visiting Daddy. And bringing my boys out twice to have pictures taken and to introduce them too Secretariat. I adored you parents, and was amazed at how well you took over after your Dad's death. They say one learns the most when he has no idea what he's doing. You sure did! And Walker will too. Delia Baldwin adler

[@lespangen]

So glad he agreed to do this: fascinating such a Kentucky gentleman

[@annsohl2253]

Wonderful stories,

[@randymaster5168]

Really well done, and a great reflection on an honorable family, farm and business!

[@richardcoreno]

A gentleman of the turf.

[@TheresaCordas]

Great interview! What a humble and loyal man you are Seth! Love watching all the wonderful things your son is doing. Your family history is what makes America, America. Been a fan of Claiborne Farms a long long (we will leave it at that) time. :)

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I feel the same way ... Great comment couldn't have said it better .

[@MrLew1965]

Seth Hancock is great man with a huge heart !!

[@lisadalessandro3396]

Sweet humble man.

[@mikedupree832]

Excellent story great piece of history. In near his closing statement about Flex not Cave. I think our president (s) should learn . The billboard story. Leading and changing people by touching there hearts. Not to fuel their hattred to touch the goodness in all men

[@horsemania4356]

Mr Perry, put them on the map. He had the first crop, of Bold Ruler, and made good. I worked, for W.W. Perry, is how l came to know this.

[@gregnewton9058]

Wow, Enjoyed your entro... Truth is proven truth by "being" interchangeable with all life...ie. The way we pass down our lives in Christ, our intimacy with God, this is how you share Jesus what God has passed down through our lives in, through & by " Him " empowered by His PRESENCE, our Christ given gift, who leads us into all truth, God's Spirit...

[@paulyarek]

That was good

[@dharmendrasharma6530]

Hi

[@boatman222345]

Amazing how confidence in ones ability can result in truly modest behavior. Maybe we should sentence Trump and Mitch McConnell to 5 years of cleaning stalls at Clairborn?

[@christinematton4125]

You must love the the geniuses in the white house today... IDIOT!!

[@kiepyon1]

I heard runhappy crop doing decent