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Through years of commitment and a well-earned
reputation for superior care and integrity, our professional horsemen
demonstrate a passion for the Thoroughbreds under their stewardship.
That passion turns to pride as we celebrate our clients' thrill
of victory each time a Gainesway graduate enters the winner's circle.
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Graham J. Beck - Chairman
"One day, I would love to breed a horse or buy a horse that goes on
to win the Kentucky Derby or the Triple Crown. I haven't lost sight
of that goal."
It's a long journey from being a coal miner in South Africa to owner
of prestigious Gainesway Farm in Kentucky, but Graham J. Beck has
managed the ride successfully. The son of a stockbroker, Beck grew up
in Cape Town, South Africa. He began his career as a coal-mining
apprentice and eventually made his reputation and fortune by
rehabilitating a financially troubled mining company. Graham, who
enjoyed riding horses as a child and took in his first races as a
student at Cape Town University, was soon drawn to Thoroughbred
ownership and breeding. Looking to help friends that owned farms in
South Africa, he first came to Kentucky in the early 1970s and,
impressed by the quality, began buying horses to take back to South
Africa. Falling in love with the Bluegrass and the Thoroughbred
industry, he continued his trips to Kentucky and began to consider
acquiring real estate. Eventually, in 1989, Graham purchased
Gainesway from John R. Gaines. Graham, who resides in South Africa
and England, has other business ventures, including several coal
mines and Highlands Stud Farm. He also owns Graham Beck Wines and
builds Princess and Fairline Yachts in England.
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Antony Beck - President
"It's all about meeting the needs of our clients, maintaining a
premier horse farm and turning out a product in the tradition of the
great Thoroughbreds at Gainesway."
Dating back to his family's initial foray into the business when
Antony was a child, Antony Beck has had a lifelong passion for
Thoroughbreds. Although his earliest involvement began in South
Africa and in England, these days Antony's focus is very much in
Central Kentucky. At Gainesway, he has the final word on selection of
stallions for the farm, determination of matings for the Gainesway
mares, and the placement and purchase of horses at auction. Antony
is a keen student of successful pedigrees and bloodstock markets, but
he knows all things begin 'at the farm.' Antony works closely with
the Gainesway staff to ensure the foals and yearlings embark on the
best possible path, whether that path leads directly to the racetrack
or through a sale. Among the many recent achievements that Antony
finds the most rewarding is the return of homebred champion Orientate
as a stallion -the ultimate "home run" to which all breeders aspire.
Antony, his wife Angela, and their children make their home in
Lexington on Gainesway Farm.
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Charlie Aker - Vice President
"Trust is the fundamental common
denominator in relationships with clients, as well as employees."
With a background in public accounting, Charlie was enticed to
Lexington and the Thoroughbred industry through his love of sports
and the beauty of the Bluegrass region. He joined the Gainesway
management team in 1989. In his role as business manager Charlie
has played an instrumental part in the development of the partnership
of Formal Gold, LLC.
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Neil Howard - General Manager
"For me, it all boils down to integrity and honesty when dealing with people."
Neil was approached for the General Manager position at Gainesway because his management philosophy was well known in the
industry as one of honesty, integrity and hard work. Neil believes that nothing is more important in raising athletes than
attention to the smallest details and constant observation during a horse's early stages. When his family relocated to
Lexington, Neil fell in love with thoroughbreds as a child and later earned a degree in Animal Science from the University
of Kentucky. During his early career, he learned tried and true methods of raising horses from some of the best innovators
and teachers in the industry. Before joining Gainesway, Neil managed other prominent farms in the Bluegrass beginning in
1978. Neil has served or is serving on the boards of a number of industry and professional organizations and has been vocal
in his desire to see farmland preserved for future generations. He has developed dozens of million-dollar babies as well as
Grade I performers Life At The Top, Saratoga Six, Auntie Mame, Green Desert, Orientate and Bird Town, to name a few. Neil
is committed to continuing the tradition of producing exemplary runners from the same land that has produced so many
champions of the past.
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Michael Hernon - Director of Sales
"A good horseman learns from experience and
is always straight forward."
A native of Ireland, Michael comes from a commercial horse background, giving him a very early association
with Thoroughbreds. He was appointed Gainesway's Director of Sales in November of 1996, following employment
with Pedigree Associates, Fasig-Tipton and Walnut Green Bloodstock. His responsibilities at Gainesway include
sale of seasons, identifying stallion prospects, developing partnerships and purchasing breeding stock.
Michael has been directly involved in the purchase of Graded Stake Winners, Unaccounted For, Dream Run and Canaveral,
and pinhooked G2 winner Citideed. Last February, Michael purchased Dyno Dancer for a client. Her half-sister, Island Sand,
won the 2004 Acorn Stakes (G1) and was a fine second in the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Michael has turned his job at Gainesway into a way of life and is available to consult with you regarding
your bloodstock needs.
Click here to hear Michael speak about new stallion, Corinthian
Mr. Greeley's Reputation Growing
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Brian Graves - Director of Public Sales
"My goal is to successfully grow the Gainesway Yearling Sales by
providing a high quality product with the best service possible. I take great pride in the way our
yearling team recruits, prepares and positions each horse in which we are involved."
A part of the Gainesway family since 1999, Brian Graves was born and raised in the horse industry. Brian's father began
managing a commercial breeding operation and auction company in 1982, where Brian was introduced to the labors of horse
farming and the excitement of the yearling sale markets. The creation of a family business provided Brian with the
opportunity to work with two year olds in training at age 13. Working every weekend and summer on the farm, Brian began
buying and selling yearlings with his father at age 15. Brian, who also worked for Eaton-Williams (now Eaton Sales) as a
showman throughout high school and college, spent one year with the Fasig-Tipton Sales Company as an intern before
graduating from the University of Kentucky with a marketing degree. As Yearling Sales Manager, Brian is in charge of
recruiting and purchasing select yearlings for Gainesway consignments, as well as the management of those yearlings to
the sale. Included in his duties is coordinating the staff for the annual yearling sales, as well as communicating with
clients regarding their sale yearlings.
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Jonathan Thorne - Director of Client and Market Development
"I was proud to join the staff at Gainesway because I knew it was a
great opportunity to work with a young, vibrant team on this historic farm."
Jonathan Thorne joined the Gainesway staff in January of 2004, bringing with him an impressive background in the Thoroughbred
industry. After beginning his career as a groom at first at Eaton, then at Calumet Farm, the Millbrook, N.Y., native quickly
advanced into sales consignment. He oversaw breeding and sales consignments at Eaton Sales, Inc., for two and a half years
before coming to Gainesway.
Thorne also managed consignments for Derry Meeting Farm in Saratoga for three years, enjoying perhaps his finest success when
he sold a Kingmambo yearling colt for $3 million.
In his duties at Gainesway, Thorne is tasked with identifying future bloodstock investment prospects for the farm, while
recruiting product for Gainesway's future consignments. Thorne also assists with the sale of nominations to the Gainesway
stallions.
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Thomas V. Little, DVM - Resident Veterinarian
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Marion Gross - Stallion Manager
"I'm proud to know that
many folks I've worked with have gone on to become managers in
their own right."
An institution in his own right at Gainesway, Marion has
served for an amazing 40 years at the farm. As Stallion Manager
he has a calming effect on the many activities at the stud barn.
As a young man, he followed his brother's advice to leave behind
the frigid winters of Michigan and migrate south for opportunities
in the Thoroughbred industry.
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Johnny Slugantz - Broodmare Manager
"I'm committed to the rewards
earned from long hours and hard work."
Johnny has always been interested in working with some of the
best broodmares in the world and expanding his opportunities.
He first became involved in Thoroughbreds by watching his uncle
work in the industry and eventually began working for him. He
has been managing broodmares for 20 years and has worked at Gainesway
since 1999. Among the many Grade 1 winners he has raised, the
one that stands above all others is the great champion Cigar,
with whom he worked as a foal.
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Sherri Hager - Yearling Manager
"I like to take a hands-on
approach to my work and I believe having a passion for your job
is paramount."
Sherri was familiar with Gainesway through past business dealings
as a farm manager. She grew to have a great respect for Mr. Beck's
way of doing things. As early as she could remember she wanted
to be around horses and began working with Thoroughbreds as a
teenager. She helped raise the great racemare Manistique and then
prepped her for sale as a broodmare where she brought $3 million.
Sherri started at Gainesway in January of 2002.
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Neil Key - Controller
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Annette Covault - Administrative Assistant
"I'm proud to be associated
with such high quality Thoroughbreds at Gainesway."
With an extensive background in bookings and maintaining stallion
and broodmare records, Annette's current position at Gainesway
fits her expertise. Since the fall of 1996, Gainesway has
allowed her to remain in Lexington where she has always wanted
to live. Annette feels that everyone's call is important and maintains
a belief that each issue should be fully covered so that the client/customer
leaves the conversation pleased with the results.
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Ginger Valentine - Sales and Booking
"I believe the most important
element of my job is patience."
Ginger has worked at Gainesway since April of 1990, when she was
drawn in by Graham Beck's approach to the Thoroughbred industry.
Growing up, she always loved pleasure horses, Standardbreds and
Thoroughbreds. Eventually she began working with yearling sales
consignments and has found a home in Sales and Booking at Gainesway.
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Anna Newman - Accounts Payable
"My philosophy is to do everything
right the first time."
With an interest in combining her knowledge of accounting with
her love of horses, Anna came to Gainesway in 1998. She has been
involved in the horse industry for nearly 20 years, including
Quarter Horses, Thoroughbred night watch and foaling, dispatching
horse vans and working as an accountant for a large veterinary
clinic.
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Teresa Pence - Administrative Assistant
"It's important to be very
involved in your work and enjoy your profession."
Teresa has a history of extensive hands on experience, including grooming,
sales, mare and foal care, yearlings, stallions. She has even
worked with intensive care at a veterinary clinic. Since growing
up watching her aunt and uncle run a van company, Teresa has always
been interested in the Thoroughbred industry . Since 1998, Teresa
has become an integral part of the Gainesway team.
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Nancy Jones - Administrative Assistant
"I have to admit, my work
requires a lot of hours, but I do it because I love it."
Nancy grew up living right on the farm at Gainesway. At that time,
her father, Clay Jones, was foreman of the farm. She worked part
time in the office while attending college at UK before coming
to work full time. Her favorite horses raised at the farm have
been Hatchet Man and Stage Door Johnny. Nancy most remembers Stage
Door Johnny's victory when she went to New York for the Belmont
Stakes. More than any other part of her job, she loves the people
she has worked with over the years.
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Marilyn Brashear - Receptionist
"I really enjoy working
at a leading Thoroughbred horse farm in Kentucky."
Before joining Gainesway, Marilyn worked at a local network affiliate
TV news station in Accounting and Human Resources. In all facets
of her work at the farm, she believes if you treat people the
way you want to be treated yourself, your actions will come back
to you. Marilyn has been with Gainesway since1996.
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Amy Parker - Accountant
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Ryan Martin - Director of Horticulture
"I truly believe that every day
my crew and I work at Gainesway is another day spent building a paradise for Gainesway
and its clients."
Ryan Martin came to Gainesway in 1995, bringing with him more than a dozen years
of experience in arboretums, botanical gardens and field research. Ryan, who was
published in an international science journal at the age of 24, worked with the
Nature Conservancy on wetlands restoration programs. His background also includes
consultation and field research with the National Center for Plant Conservation
and work with one of only 10 nationally certified long-term seed storage banks.
Ryan accepted a new challenge when he came to Gainesway with a vision of building
an arboretum and creating something totally unique among the horse farm industry.
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