Aaron has served as stallion nominations manager for Juddmonte USA since 2018, managing the stallion book of Arrogate. Prior to Juddmonte, Aaron worked for eight years as stakes filly recruiter and account manager for Taylor Made Sales Agency. He is also a graduate of the Darley Flying Start Program.

“We are very excited and optimistic about entering the digital sales environment and believe Leif is the perfect person to lead our efforts,” said Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning. “He has tremendous knowledge, experience, and a vast network of contacts in racing and breeding in the United States and abroad. He will be a great addition to the Fasig-Tipton team.”

Aaron commented: “I am very excited to be joining Fasig-Tipton and actively engaged in the commercial market once again. I believe there is great growth potential for digital sales in America and look forward to working with buyers and sellers as we launch and develop Fasig-Tipton's digital marketplace.”

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The restructure is underpinned by the appointment of Lord Teddy Grimthorpe as racing manager to Imad Al Sagar.

Grimthorpe, who succeeds Tony Nerses, takes up the position in February.

Grimthorpe is one of the most widely respected figures within racing, having served as racing manager to Prince Khalid Abdullah for 22 years. During that time, he worked with 24 European trainers and oversaw 3,000 horses in training, which between them won almost 100 Group 1 races.

Grimthorpe currently serves as chairman of the National Stud, deputy senior steward of The Jockey Club and on the board of York Racecourse board following nine years at the track as chairman. Prior to his role with Juddmonte Farms, he worked for the British Bloodstock Agency for over 20 years.

“We have taken the opportunity to restructure our team at Blue Diamond Stud for 2022 and are delighted to welcome Teddy Grimthorpe as racing manager,” said Imad Al Sagar. “Tony Nerses was a major contributor to the growth and success of Blue Diamond Stud and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

“Teddy is a widely respected racing figure on an international scale. He played a key role in the sustained success of Juddmonte Farms and with his wealth of knowledge and experience, will undoubtedly prove a valuable asset to Blue Diamond Stud. I am greatly looking forward to working with him.”

Teddy Grimthorpe added: “I am very touched to have been asked by Imad Al Sagar to join his team. He has built up an impressive bloodstock portfolio and I will look forward to being any help I can with his operation.

“I will continue to be Chairman of the National Stud and serve on the boards of both Jockey Club and York Racecourse, all of which should fit nicely into this new role.”

Blue Diamond Stud is also delighted to announce the appointment of Ted Voute, another extremely well respected figure within racing and bloodstock circles, as the stud's interim chief executive officer. Voute, a leading sales consignor who will maintain his duties at his stud, Eydon Hall Farm, and as racing and bloodstock advisor to Prince Faisal's Nawara Stud, will fulfill the role until a permanent incumbent is identified.

“I have known Imad from the days of his Derby winner Authorized and have always kept in touch,” said Voute. “Having bought his own farms in Newmarket, Imad has quickly become a successful breeder and I am excited to help him in this transitional phase.”

Gerry Meehan has been appointed as yearling manager. Meehan is another with a wealth of experience behind him, notably 17 and a half years of service at Newsells Park Stud, latterly as Yearling Manager.

Winner of the Stud Staff category within the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards of 2014, Meehan's resume also includes stints at Fair Winter Farm, Cheveley Park Stud, Side Hill Stud and Coolmore, where he worked with the likes of Fairy King and Alzao.

Gerry Meehan will oversee the stud's yearling division and its sales consignments, which will debut under the Blue Diamond Stud Farm (UK) Ltd banner this year, starting at the Tattersalls February Sale.

“I am very excited to be joining Blue Diamond Stud,” said Meehan, “and feel like I can make a difference in helping the stud achieve success at the highest level in and out of the sale ring. The stud is a top-class operation that is already a proven source of Group 1 winners. I look forward to working with Imad Al Sagar and everyone at Blue Diamond Stud.”

Andrew Rawlin, a long serving member of the team at Blue Diamond Stud, has been promoted to mares manager. Rawlin has been a valued part of the stud team for 11 years and is well respected across the industry for his dedication and professionalism.

Nancy Sexton has also been appointed as bloodstock and media advisor. A bloodstock commentator attached to a variety of industry publications, Sexton also acts as European representative to the Kentucky-based Schumer Bloodstock.

“With such a strong team on board for 2022, I believe we are well placed to not only consolidate Blue Diamond Stud's position as an elite presence within the industry, but also to strive for further growth and success,” said Imad Al Sagar. “As such, we have started the year on a positive note and I look forward to a successful year.”

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Castagnola's main focus will be the development of relationships and the recruitment of new business, while assisting in both the public and private sales divisions of Taylor Made.

“I came to Taylor Made in January 1997 as an intern and over my 12 years worked with Ben Taylor in helping manage the early books of Unbridled's Song and our then fledgling stallion operation before becoming the director of client development,” Castagnola said. “Those were 12 of the best years of my life and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to be part of the Taylor Made family once again.”

“Steve brings 25 years of industry experience to our team, and along with his positive attitude, enthusiasm and track record of success both with us and his Kempton Bloodstock we feel fortunate to have him on our team,” Mark Taylor said. “With the industry on an upswing, Steve will be a big asset in assisting our current client base as well as developing new business.”

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Well known on the sales scene, Sarah brings a diverse background in all aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. She most recently served as sales coordinator and client relations for South Point Sales Agency, and she worked for other top consignors such as Gainesway, Bluewater, and Hidden Brook.

Her dozen years of hands-on experience include yearlings and sales prep, horses in training with Jonathan Sheppard and at Bridlewood Farm's training division, and mares and foals as assistant manager at Paul's Mill and Timber Town farms in Kentucky. Her previous roles expanded to include partnership management and pinhooking.

“We are excited to have Sarah on the EQUIX team,” said Suzanne Smallwood, EQUIX president. “Sarah's background is an ideal fit for us and she offers our clients a high degree of experience in selecting young racing prospects for purchase.”

In addition to her bloodstock selection duties, Sarah will perform the structural and cardio analysis EQUIX has utilized so successfully in the selection of top racehorses for its clients. She will also have a role in EQUIX's ProStride digital stride length and motion analyses that are the cornerstone of the company's 2-year-old sales services.

“The Keeneland September sale will be a great opportunity for meeting and assisting EQUIX clientele,” Thompson said. “I am excited to join EQUIX with their innovative and proven approach to bloodstock analysis.”

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Breathnach brings a distinctive set of skills and more than 20 years of horse industry experience to Keeneland, combining bloodstock and pedigree knowledge, practical sales expertise and a doctorate in veterinary science from the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky.

“We are excited to have Cormac join the Keeneland sales team as the Director of Sales Operations,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “I have long admired his professionalism, knowledge and integrity, which is second to none, and have had the pleasure of watching him develop in the industry and gain the respect of a broad range of professionals. His skill set, personality and strong work ethic will help evolve Keeneland sales for the future. In addition, his background in research and animal welfare is a valuable asset as we continue to strive to set higher standards for the industry.”

Breathnach succeeds Geoffrey Russell, who announced his retirement in April following 25 years with Keeneland. Russell will remain in a consulting role with Keeneland through 2021.

“Geoffrey very generously has been helping us through the transition process to make it as seamless as possible,” Lacy said. “I can never thank him enough for his commitment to Keeneland even in his first stages of retirement. I know Cormac will integrate into this role smoothly with Geoffrey's guidance.”

Since 2017, Breathnach has served as Director of Stallion Nominations at Airdrie Stud, which stands such exciting young stallions as Cairo Prince, Collected and Complexity. For nearly eight years prior to his position at Airdrie, he was Stallion Seasons and Matings Consultant at Adena Springs, where he represented Breeders' Cup Classic winners and leading sires Ghostzapper and Awesome Again. Breathnach also founded Galway Bloodstock, a consultancy that has provided a range of services including auction representation, racehorse management and matings analysis.

A native of Galway, Ireland, Breathnach studied biotechnology at National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). Following a summer research internship at Alltech in Lexington, he returned to Central Kentucky to earn a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science from the Gluck Equine Research Center in 2001. He completed two post-doctoral studies, first at the veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2001-2003 before returning to the Gluck Center from 2004-2007. There he was the inaugural recipient of the Paul Mellon Postdoctoral Scholarship.

“It is a great honor to be named Director of Sales Operations at Keeneland,” Breathnach said. “Keeneland is a world-renowned cornerstone of the Thoroughbred industry, and to participate in its progressive mission under (Keeneland President and CEO) Shannon Arvin, Tony Lacy and the talented team already in place is a privilege.

“I have spent the last 12 years working with breeders, consignors and buyers on behalf of two of the preeminent stud farms in the Bluegrass, and I am excited to carry those relationships through to this new role with Keeneland,” Breathnach said. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given along the way, particularly to Bret Jones and his family for four successful years at Airdrie Stud.”

“Cormac has been such a tremendous contributor to Airdrie Stud, and I know I speak for our entire team when I say how much we will miss him,” Airdrie Stud Vice President Bret Jones said. “Keeneland and our breeding and racing community at large are gaining an advocate of the absolute highest ability and character. He is one of the truly wonderful people in our industry. I am very happy for Cormac to ascend to this important position and will always be grateful for the great friendship we've developed these last four years.”

Breathnach is on the board of both the Gluck Foundation, where he is the first graduate of the Gluck Equine Research Center to serve in that capacity, and the Secretariat Center. He is a past board member of the Iroquois Hunt Club.

Breathnach and his wife, Catherine, along with their daughter, Anna (9), reside in Lexington.

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Josh's initial experience with horses began on a family harness racing farm before venturing to nearby Caulfield Racecourse as a teenager to work under the tutelage of classic winning trainer Colin Little while completing his local education. Josh pursued his Equine Science degree at Colorado State University while punting for the football team and serving as a veterinary assistant at the prestigious Colorado State Equine Reproduction Lab.

Sergio de Sousa, part owner of Hidden Brook Farm, said, “We're very pleased to welcome Josh to our team. He gained valuable experience interning at Three Chimney's Farm and also making the rounds at the sales with several prominent agents. He'll assist in recruiting and bloodstock services and take an active role in our sales consignments. Josh brings great enthusiasm and passion to his position and we, as a group, are looking forward to working together to grow our enterprise.”

“I'm very excited to work with the Hidden Brook crew,” Kerin said. “It's a very unique opportunity considering they have both a full-service nursery in Kentucky and an active training center in Florida. I look forward to contributing to the success and growth of both facilities.”

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A Kentucky native, West is one of the rising stars of the American bloodstock world, having started out with top U.S. consignor Taylor Made Sales Agency as a groom in their yearling division and progressing through the ranks to manager. During his time at Taylor Made, he worked under trainer Chad Brown at the Gulfstream Championship Meeting.

West then joined Three Chimneys Farm as director of bloodstock services before taking up his current role as vice president of bloodstock with leading U.S. horse racing partnership, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, the brainchild of Aron Wellman and Brian Spearman. In 2017, he launched his own bloodstock agency, West Bloodstock, which acts for a number of leading U.S. buyers.

Commenting on the appointment, Goffs Group chief executive, Henry Beeby said:

“We are delighted to welcome Jacob to the Goffs Team. Alongside his role at Eclipse, he is the perfect fit for us and comes with the ringing endorsement of several industry leaders. He has a superb reputation for integrity, passion, hard work and a love of the Thoroughbred, all qualities that chime perfectly with the ethos of Goffs. We look forward to working with him as we promote our sales to buyers in the U.S.

“At the same time, we would like to acknowledge the contribution of Gatewood Bell over the last number of years and wish him the very best of luck in his new role with Keeneland.”

West added:

“Goffs has an outstanding reputation for producing top class results year after year. I firmly believe the horses on offer at Goffs have international appeal, and I look forward to bringing as many people as I can over to Ireland to see for themselves. I am delighted to be associated with such a top-level organization as Goffs.”

Jacob's first task for Goffs will be to highlight the quality and value regularly provided at the Goffs Orby Sale, one of Europe's premier yearling sales and source of the likes of recent multiple U.S. Grade 1 winner Raging Bull.

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With over 100 broodmares, Don Alberto, which is based in Lexington, Ky., was a top 15 breeder nationally last year.

Timm succeeds Fabricio Buffolo who has been the executive director for the past four years. Buffolo, originally from Brazil, will return to his home country to be closer to his family while continuing his career in the Thoroughbred industry.

“I look forward to Chance leading our progression as one of the top breeding and racing organizations in North America. Although I am sad to see Fabricio go, I am very thankful for his hard work which has led us to where we are today,” said Carlos Heller on behalf of the Heller Solari family.

Beginning with the purchase of the former Vinery Stud in 2013, Don Alberto has subsequently expanded to occupy 1,300 acres and has positioned itself as an active breeder at the top of the bloodstock market. In addition to racing two-time champion Unique Bella among other graded stakes winners, Don Alberto has bred and sold multiple million-dollar yearlings.

“I want to personally thank Carlos and Ms. Liliana for this incredible opportunity and for understanding my desire to be closer to my family. I'm very proud of what we've accomplished and have no doubt Don Alberto will continue to ascend the ranks of the industry,” said Fabricio Buffolo.

Originally from Murray, Utah, Timm has over 14 years experience in the Thoroughbred industry. He has been with Lane's End Farm since 2014 as the director of stallion seasons and shares, where he has also had an active role in their sales consignment.

“Don Alberto has established itself as a major force in the worldwide Thoroughbred industry,” said Chance Timm. “I am confident that our team will further that success in the coming years and am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I'd like to thank Bill Farish and everyone at Lane's End; it has been a privilege to work at such a distinguished farm.”

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Originally from Birmingham, England, Wigley grew up on the southern coast of England where he developed a passion for horse racing at an early age and spent most weekends and school holidays working for local trainers. After riding for five seasons as a steeplechase jockey in England, Wigley pursued his ambition to work in the United States and made Kentucky his permanent home in 2006.

In the U.S., Wigley rode predominantly at Keeneland for trainers such as the late Bobby Frankel but mainly worked with the Godolphin operation. He gained valuable experience traveling the circuit as an assistant trainer to Joan Scott and most recently worked as a cardiovascular analyst with Epona Technological Company where he performed heart scans and directed data collection for numerous clients, including WinStar Farm.

“I had the pleasure to meet Gareth during his time at Epona, and he has a passion for this business that will help our clients meet their goals,” said Elliott Walden, WinStar's president, CEO, and racing manager. “With his background, Gareth brings a unique perspective that helps him see the inside of a horse. We are excited about him joining our bloodstock team headed by Liam O'Rourke.”

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Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and skill having gained experience in many different facets of the Thoroughbred industry. His career has included roles with leading organizations in sales, bloodstock, stallion management and even lead him to running his own consignment and bloodstock agency, Catalyst Bloodstock. Most recently, Chris was part of the stallion seasons sales team at WinStar Farm.

“Lane's End is a farm with an incredible history of producing top class stallions,” Knehr said. “I look forward to working with a great team and playing a role in the continued success of the farm.”

Knehr begins his new role immediately and can be contacted at cknehr@lanesend.com.

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