Edith Bancroft

Edith Bancroft was an influential American Thoroughbred horse owner and breeder, renowned for her significant contributions to the world of horse racing. She gained prominence for breeding the legendary racehorse Damascus, who was honored as the American Horse of the Year in 1967 and later inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974. Damascus was celebrated not only for his remarkable racing career but also for being ranked 16th in the Blood-Horse magazine's list of the Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century, cementing Bancroft's legacy in the sport. In addition to Damascus, Bancroft bred other notable horses, including Cloudy Dawn, who achieved victories in prestigious races such as the Arlington Handicap and Dwyer Stakes, and notably finished third in the 1972 Belmont Stakes behind Riva Ridge. Bancroft's expertise and dedication to breeding high-caliber racehorses significantly impacted the industry, showcasing her as a pioneering figure in Thoroughbred racing and leaving a lasting mark on the sport's history.