Bob Hannon, an 83-year-old prominent thoroughbred breeder, has spent over five decades cultivating bloodlines that have produced numerous winners, including the 2013 Cox Plate winner Shamus Award and recent Group 1 winner Cosmic Force. Despite downsizing his 75-acre Ascot Park property near Sydney by selling half of it, Hannon remains deeply involved in the industry, continuing to breed quality horses and participate in major events like Magic Millions week. His breeding philosophy emphasizes patience and longevity, focusing on maintaining a small, high-quality broodmare band rather than chasing volume, which has sustained his success over the years.

Beyond breeding, Hannon built a successful coffee export business in Papua New Guinea, which has financially supported his racing interests through lean periods. He acknowledges the increasing challenges in the breeding industry, such as rising service fees and the difficulty of maintaining winning stock, but his passion for horses keeps him engaged. Hannon’s enduring influence is evident not only in the racetrack successes of his horses but also in the ongoing demand for his bloodstock at sales, underscoring his lasting impact on Australian thoroughbred breeding.