Tracy Farmer honored as humanitarian

Owner and breeder Tracy Farmer received the W. T. Young Humanitarian Award Tuesday night at the Kentucky Derby Trainers' Dinner.

Farmer, 67, is well known for his activities as an advocate for the environment and land preservation. In 2000, he contributed $2 million toward development of the University of Kentucky's new Tracy Farmer Center for the Environment, which conducts environmental research and education and also provides research grants.

Farmer also is a supporter of the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation for equine veterinary research and the Race for Education.

Farmer and his wife, Carol, own the 135-acre Shadowlawn Farm in Midway, Ky., and have raced such notable runners as champion Hidden Lake (in partnership with Robert Clay); Grade 1-winning millionaire Albert the Great; Grade 1-placed millionaire Sun King; Grade 1 winner Commentator; and multiple graded winner Sir Shackleton.

In addition to his interests in Thoroughbreds, Farmer owns automobile dealerships and is involved in commercial real estate and banking.