Senior Member

Robert M. Beck Jr.

Mr. Beck, a transactional lawyer, has represented both domestic and foreign clients in the purchase, sale or syndication of bloodstock valued at more than $900 million. Mr. Beck also regularly provides corporate and financing legal counsel to equine industry participants, including banks, horse farms, trainers, and organizers of multiple ownership arrangements for racing and breeding syndicates. In addition to his transaction practice, Mr. Beck is a mediator and arbitrator concentrating on transactional matters, equine and commercial projects and disputes.

Mr. Beck also assists manufacturing and service businesses and financial institutions with general corporate law, commercial lending and mergers and acquisitions advice and transactions.

Recent Assignments

Represented the owner of Triple Crown winner AMERICAN PHAROAH in the sale of breeding rights to the horse

On behalf of the buyer, seller or syndicator documented and negotiated arrangements for breeding services of the following thoroughbred stallions: TO HONOR AND SERVE, TAPIZAR, HAT TRICK, ESKENDEREYA, THE FACTOR, PURIM, WILBURN, MACCLEAN’S MUSIC, ASTROLOGY, DOMINUS, CALEB’S POSSE, ICE BOX, BRILLIANT SPEED, QUALITY ROAD, WILL’S WAY, STUDENT COUNCIL, ZANJERO, CLOSING ARGUMENT, SIGHTSEEING, ZENSATIONAL AND PIONEER OFTHE NILE

Structured, negotiated and documented the establishment of a fund organized to invest in thoroughbred horses and assisted with raising capital from a private equity fund through a Regulation D offering to accredited investors only

Represented the issuer in Regulation D offering to accredited investors only for establishment of a thoroughbred racing venture and a thoroughbred pinhooking venture

Represented a Central Kentucky Thoroughbred breeding farm in the acquisition of an interest in and syndication of RACHEL ALEXANDRA, the 2009 Kentucky Oaks and Preakness champion

Bar Admissions

Kentucky

U.S. Supreme Court

Firm Leadership

Audit Letter Response Committee, Member

Office of General Counsel, Former Member

Memberships

American Bar Association

Fayette County Bar Association

,

Secretary, 1982-83; Board of Governors, 1983-84

Kentucky Bar Association

American College of Equine Attorneys

Community Involvement

Kentucky Educational Television, Inc. (KET), Chairman of the Board (2024-present); Secretary (2023-24)

Kentucky Authority for Educational Television, Member (2021-25)

Vanderbilt University Law School, Former Member of the Board of Advisors

American College of Equine Attorneys, Founder, Board of Directors and Former President

BB&T in Central Kentucky, Board of Directors

University of Kentucky Equine Law Seminar, Planning Committee

Thoroughbred Charities of America, Board of Directors

Charitable Impact Group, Inc., Board of Directors

Education

J.D.,

1975

Vanderbilt University Law School

B.A., Economics,

1971

Vanderbilt University

More Than Stites & Harbison

Bob served as chair of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission from April 2008 through December 2016, appointed by Governor Steve Beshear. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Thoroughbred Charities of America, and the Board of Directors of Charitable Impact Group, Inc. His civic and community involvement has also included memberships on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, the Lexington Philharmonic, the Fayette County Bar Association and the Lexington Arts and Cultural Council, which he previously served as President. He is a founder, member of the Board of Directors and former president of the American College of Equine Attorneys. He also served on the Governor’s Task Force on the Future of Racing in Kentucky. He has been the Planning Committee chair for the University of Kentucky Equine Law Seminar for five years and has served as a member of the committee for over 20 years. Bob is a member of the Board of Directors of BB&T in Central Kentucky and previously served as a member of the Board of Advisors of Vanderbilt University Law School. Mr. Beck is a licensed Thoroughbred racehorse owner and enjoys Thoroughbred racing, golf and travel with his wife and two daughters.

Accolades

Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Preeminent® Peer Review Rated

Best Lawyers in America®, Banking & Finance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2006-25)

Best Lawyers in America®, Lexington Area Lawyer of the Year for Banking & Finance Law (2021, 2025)

Best Lawyers in America®, Lexington Area Lawyer of the Year for Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2012, 2015, 2022)

Best Lawyers in America®, Lexington Area Lawyer of the Year for Corporate Law (2010)

Chambers USA, “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (2013, 2014)

Kentucky Super Lawyers® (2008-20)

Testimonials

. . . extremely knowledgeable . . . very efficient in working through issues.

Best Lawyers

He is a lawyer who does not stand in the way of a deal, but works to facilitate a deal. I strongly recommend Bob Beck.

Best Lawyers

A first-rate equine lawyer who is pragmatic and great to work with.

Chambers USA

. . . client-focused . . .

Chambers USA

Contact Resources

Robert Beck's LinkedIn Profile