WinStar Farm has promoted David Hanley to General Manager at the Versailles-based operation. Hanley had served at WinStar as the Director of Development, working in the areas of client development and bloodstock development, prior to his recent promotion.
“David has been with us for over a year now, and his horsemanship is the best in the business,” said Elliott Walden, WinStar President & CEO. “Anytime there is change, there is opportunity. Having done everything from training Grade 1 winners, to pinhooking $900,000 yearlings, and many other successes in different facets of the Thoroughbred business, I am confident David is the right fit for the job. He’s been an integral part of our team, and we hope he’ll continue to be for years to come.”
An Ireland native, Hanley possesses over 30 years of experience working in the Thoroughbred industry, both in Europe and North America. He got his start in Europe, where he worked on both horse farms and racetracks, mostly in Ireland. Hanley served as private trainer for Whitechurch Stud, and also as a public trainer, breeder and pinhooker. He conditioned several Group and Graded winners, including Grade 1 winner Golden Apples (Ire) – a filly he was also the co-breeder of.
In 2001, Hanley and his family moved to Lexington, KY to expand his bloodstock interests. He has had a hand in breeding, buying or pinhooking such top American-based horses as Grade 1 winners Pool Play, Forest Secrets and Ultimate Eagle, as well as many other graded stakes winners.
“I am honored by the faith and trust put in me by Kenny (Troutt) and Elliott, and I relish the opportunity and new set of challenges ahead,” said Hanley. “The staff at WinStar is second to none, and I look forward to continuing to work with our team to keep WinStar an industry leader.”
