An Article That Appeared Recently In The New York Times
"In the business of thoroughbred racing, Ken Davis is known as the George Steinbrenner of the sport. He took up over the family business from his father, who in turn inherited it from his father and grandfather, but under Mr. Davis, the family business reached new heights.
"On a recent trip to Davis Farms in Fremont, California, Mr. Davis showed off how the operation had grown under his supervision. 'This spot over here is where my great-grandfather built his original barn. He started out with just one. Now, we have six, with about 20 thoroughbreds in each,' he said. 'Not only do we have our own racehorses, but Davis Farms also makes money from boarding horses as well. The racing operation alone has a staff of 300 people.'
"Mr. Davis stopped at the stall of Avatar, a promising two-year-old that he purchased earlier this year at Keeneland. 'Now, from the moment I saw this boy, I knew he was a winner,' he said. 'He's got impeccable breeding, good structure, and unbelievable acceleration. I think this could be one of the best horses I've ever raced. This may be the horse to beat in next year's Kentucky Derby, and you can quote me on that.'
"Indeed, Mr. Davis was willing to back up his claim. In the main house on the Davis Ranch, he showed us a sculpture of Avatar that he purchased from a local artist. All over Fremont, a small town home to many of California's racing elite, the talk was all about Avatar's last win.
"'You know, all it comes down to is maintaining this business that my father gave me so that I can give it to my son one day,' said Mr. Davis. But along the way, he has added real estate to the family business. The Davis empire includes a good chunk of the commercial real estate in Fremont, Oakland and San Francisco."