Type the name Jess Jackson into a search engine and chances are you'll skim across the term “billionaire.” While this brief description accurately sums up the late Jackson’s net worth — he ranked as one of the richest men in the world — such a simple one-word designation cannot even scratch the surface of Jackson’s depth as a businessman and sportsman.

In a manner reminiscent of the legendary King Midas, seemingly anything Jackson touched would turn to gold, and this applied wholeheartedly to his involvement in Thoroughbred horse racing.