The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club (KTFMC) has selected Frank Taylor of Taylor Made Farm as their 2023 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year. Taylor is a second-generation Farm Manager of the Year; his father, Joe Taylor, was honored with the award in 1976.
Taylor was raised on Gainesway Farm under the ownership of Clarence and John Gaines. After years of work as a groom and general farm hand, Taylor began his career as a farm manager under the tutelage of his father when he was named Yearling Manager in 1978 at the age of sixteen. Taylor balanced his time between his role at Gainesway, his enrollment at Lexington Catholic High School, and his duties to the fledgling Taylor Made Farm until he graduated from Lexington Catholic in 1982.
In his career at Taylor Made Farm, Taylor has served in many roles including General Farm Manager, Vice President of Boarding, and Vice President of Sales since its inception in 1976. Taylor became a partner in the organization in 1982. During his career, Taylor Made has gone on to raise and sell 133 G1 winners including Speightstown, Ashado, Serengeti Empress, Not This Time, American Pharoah, Liam's Map, and most recently Geaux Rocket Ride. Taylor Made Sales Agency has sold 58 sales toppers and has been the leading consignor 28 times including 27 out of the last 29 years. Taylor and his brothers have always ascribed to the motto that they can do more together than they ever could apart, and that true success lies in one's ability to serve. The Taylors are and have always been committed to honesty, customer success, innovation, and living out their Christian values.
“I am so grateful that the KTFMC has honored my father with such a prestigious award,” said Katie Taylor Whalen, daughter, and partner in Taylor Made Sales Agency. “I am so blessed to have grown up with such a strong and driven mentor. My Dad has taught me and countless others to dream big, work hard, and trust in God. I have seen him work tirelessly with my uncles to grow the Taylor Made brand and witnessed his dedication to his family, friends, clients, mentees, and the horses under his care. My Dad has a servant's heart and is willing to accept and help people from all walks of life. Whether you are a billionaire or have lost it all in the grips of addiction, his willingness to accept and help is unwavering. I would not be the person I am today without my father.”
Louis and Charlotte Brooks, second-generation customers of Taylor Made Farm, praised Taylor saying, “We've been with Taylor Made since the late seventies. The principles of the farm, the team, and the management of our horses have always been superb. They treat clients like family. Frank is a friend and mentor to any person who wants a chance to succeed in the horse business. Frank is innovative and resourceful. He has been instrumental in our success and in bringing countless others into the industry. He bends over backward to help everyone, usually from behind the scenes. Simply put, he is the best!”
Taylor married his wife Kim in 1984 and has five children (Katie, Joe, Frankie, Gracie, and Chris) His eldest two children, Katie and Joe, have joined him as partners at Taylor Made Sales Agency. In recent years, Taylor has combined his love of horses with his passion for helping others to develop the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship. The program works in partnership with Stable Recovery with the goal of achieving ambitious sobriety through purposeful work to provide second chances for those who struggle with substance abuse. Taylor's dedication to the cause led to the establishment of Ready-Made Racing in 2021. With his wife Kim and several like-minded partners, Taylor purchased a roster of yearlings and placed them in training with Will Walden and his team of horsemen in recovery. Ready Made Racing has enjoyed success on the track while changing the lives of others.
The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club will be hosting its annual Dinner Dance to honor Frank Taylor at the Carrick House in Lexington on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds benefitting Stable Recovery, LLC. Tickets and sponsorships for the event will be available for purchase through KTFMC's website www.ktfmc.org later this month.
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