Award of Merit goes to Farish

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - William S. Farish, owner of Lane's End Farm, will be presented with the Eclipse Award of Merit for a lifetime of outstanding achievement in thoroughbred racing. Eclipse Awards are voted on by The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form and The National Turf Writers Association.

"I am so honored to have been selected for a sport which has given me and my family so much pleasure and enjoyment for the past 35 years," said Farish. "I am humbled to be chosen to join this list of outstanding people who have received this Award of Merit, many of whom have been long time friends."

Mr. Farish, who lives in Lexington, KY, will receive the Eclipse Award of Merit on Monday, January 18 at the 39th Annual Eclipse Awards ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

A native of Houston, TX, Mr. Farish is a steward and vice chairman of The Jockey Club, a director and former chair of the executive committee of the Breeders' Cup, a member of the board of directors of the Keeneland Association, and a Keeneland trustee. He was chairman of the board of Churchill Downs from 1992-2001 during which time the company grew from one race track to a multi-track corporation.

"Will Farish is deeply involved in every phase of the thoroughbred Industry," said Keeneland president Nick Nicholson. "If you follow the life cycle of the thoroughbred each stage from mating, breeding, raising, registration, sales, training, racing, and then back to the farm for breeding, Will has positively impacted each step along the way. His knowledge, passion and willingness to give of his time for the betterment of the Industry and the sport have meant so much for the modern thoroughbred world. We are grateful to have him serve as a trustee of Keeneland and appreciate his advice and counsel."

Mr. Farish is a third-generation member of the thoroughbred industry. His grandfather, the late William S. Farish II, founded the Lazy F Ranch in Texas, which campaigned three-time Eclipse Award Champion Horse of the Year Forego during the 1970's.

Farish founded Lane's End Farm in 1979. From 2001-2004, Farish served as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain. The Farishes have hosted Queen Elizabeth II on her visits to Kentucky, including attending the 2007 Kentucky Derby.