Michael Hernon, who served as Gainesway Farm's director of sales for the past 24 years, has launched his own bloodstock agency.
Starting in the mid-1990s, Hernon managed the stallion books of top sires like Broad Brush, Cozzene and Mt. Livermore. More recently, he oversaw the books of leading sires Tapit and Empire Maker, as well as the emerging young sire Karakontie.
“Two decades of selling at the highest level of the stallion market was a rare experience, but as Gainesway expanded their bloodstock sales agency, I worked on the farm consignment and started helping our outside clients with everything they needed to be successful at the sales. We enjoyed a lot of success,” said Hernon.
Tom Conway, with Waymore LLC, said, “Before Michael took over, we were breeding for the top of the market, but not always succeeding at the sales. He put us on the right track, from sales prep to setting reserves, and suddenly we were on fire with two yearlings selling for $800,000 and another for $700,000. We became fast friends and last year I was proud to attend when Michael became a U.S. Citizen.”
Hernon's greatest personal achievement was co-breeding champion Monomoy Girl, winner of the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders' Cup Distaff.
From a small broodmare band, Hernon has also co-bred two-time Grade 1 winner Zazu, and graded stakes winner Flashback, sire of champion British Idiom. This year in the U.S., he co-owns and races exciting stakes-winning 2-year-old Spanish Loveaffair, while in his native Ireland, Hernon campaigns group-placed juvenile Sussex Garden.
Prior to his tenure at Gainesway, Hernon served stints at Pedigree Associates, Fasig-Tipton and Walnut Green.
“I feel everything I have done in this industry has brought me to this new position. Helping people find the right horses and succeed in sales and racing is very satisfying. I look forward to operating as a bloodstock agent and attending Thoroughbred racing and sales both in the U.S. and in Europe,” Hernon said.
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