Natanya Nieman D.V.M.

Resident Veterinarian
nniemandvm@winstarfarm.com

Natanya grew up in Lexington. She rode dressage and event horses, worked at thoroughbred sales, and worked on Thoroughbred and Standardbred farms throughout college. In 1994, she graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Biotechnology. After college, she attended veterinary school at The Ohio State University and graduated in 1998. By 1999, Natanya had completed an internship at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Florida. She then worked at Woodford Veterinary Clinic from 1999-2002. Natanya has been with WinStar for 10 years now. She is married to Mike McMahon from Saratoga Springs, NY. WinStar-bred Kentucky Derby Champion Funny Cide was born on his father's McMahon Thoroughbred Farm in New York.

Tony Cissell

Director of Stallion Operations

Growing up in Fern Creek, Kentucky, Tony’s love of horses began as a child, showing quarter horses with his local 4-H program. Later as a young adult, he worked prepping sale horses for Lee Eaton. Tony brings a wealth of experience to WinStar, from serving as Yearling Manager for the Niarchos family at Spring Oak Farm in Kentucky to managing Crescent and Elk Hill Farms. He also was at Calumet for 12 years - 6 years as Yearling Manager and the remainder as General Manager. Among the horses Tony has raised are: outstanding two-year-old Mujitahid, Mariah’s Storm, dam of Giant’s Causeway, and grade 1 winners, Agnes World, Dubai Destination, Libertiste and Aunti Mame. He has used his extensive experience to oversee the day to day operations of WinStar Farm.

Larry McGinnis

Stallion Manager
lmcginnis@winstarfarm.com

Larry grew up in Lexington and attended Lexington Catholic High School. Having always been interested in Keeneland and the thoroughbred business, Larry entered the business and started a sales agency in 1997.

In 1998, Larry began work for Prestonwood Farm as Assistant Manager and remained in the position when WinStar purchased the farm. In 2001, Larry was named Stallion Manager for WinStar Farm. Larry's dedication shows in everything he does. "Each stallion has his own, distinct personality," says Larry. "Just like people, horses respond differently. It's important to get to know each stallion and work with them as individuals."

Andres Caballero

Assistant Stallion Manager
acaballero@winstarfarm.com

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Andres was not the stereotypical horseman. Being from a big city, his exposure to horses was rather limited. He developed a relationship with horses at a young age when he would go to his family´s Paso Fino ranch in Colombia during summer vacation. This is where his interest in horses took root.

After graduating from Miami Coral Park Sr. High in 2005, Andres attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, just 30 miles north of Ocala. He studied equine sciences with an emphasis on reproductive physiology and worked at the University´s Horse Research Center in Ocala. After watching a replay of Secretariat´s 1973 Belmont victory, Andres became certain that the Thoroughbred industry was where he belonged.

Andres completed an internship at the Hancock´s historical Claiborne Farm. During the internship, Andres worked with the veterinary staff, broodmares and stallions. Once he graduated, he was hired to work with yearlings for sales prep. Mr. Hancock thought it would be a good idea for Andres to gain some track experience, so he sent him to work for Todd Pletcher. While with Todd Pletcher, Andres was a hot walker and then a foreman in South Florida and Saratoga. During his time with Todd Pletcher Racing, Andres was privileged enough to work with a world class staff and top tier racehorses before being offered his current position at WinStar Farm as Assistant Stallion Manager.

Donnie Preston

Yearling Manager
donnie@winstarfarm.com

A third generation horseman, Donnie Preston was born and raised in Central Kentucky where he graduated from Woodford County High School and worked part-time at Airdrie Stud in Versailles. After attending Anderson University on a track scholarship, Donnie realized his real interest was working with horses. He returned to Airdrie Stud full-time in 1988 and remained there until 2002 when he was hired by WinStar.

When asked about the job, Donnie replied, "Being here is a great experience, and getting to work with the quality of horse, state-of-the-art technology, and experienced horsemen at WinStar has been the opportunity of a lifetime."

Joe Taylor

Assistant Yearling Manager
jtaylor@winstarfarm.com

Joe developed a passion for working with yearlings at a young age. Starting at age 12, he began prepping sales yearlings under the supervision of his father and uncles at Taylor Made Farm.

In 2003, Joe ventured into the world of pinhooking weanlings to yearlings and established JLT Bloodstock with his siblings, cousins and close family friends. Over the next 5 years, JLT went on to sell 20 yearlings at public auction and produced 7 stakes horses.

After graduating high school in 2007, Joe spent two years in the Animal Science Program at Western Kentucky University before going on to receive his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program in 2010.

In recent years, Joe has spent time developing his skills by working in several aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. He spent time interning at KESMARC and King's Equine in Ocala, FL.  Joe returned to his roots in mare and yearling care by acting as farm manager at Brylynn Farm in Reddick, FL.

Joe feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with young horses from prestigious bloodlines. He enjoys watching the yearlings change and grow as they move towards their time in the sales ring and careers at the racetrack. Most of all, Joe loves the feeling of watching the horses he cared for blossom into champions on the track.

Kieran Lalor

Broodmare Manager
klalor@winstarfarm.com

Kieran hails from Lexington's sister city in Ireland, Co.Kildare. He has been involved in the horse industry for over 15 years now. Competing in 3 day events at an early age, he soon transitioned into the racing side of the industry and after a short period under the tutelage of Ted Walsh and Arthur Moore, he decided to venture into the breeding aspect of the sport. A summer at Tom and Cathy Burns’ Victor Stud convinced him this was the route he would go, so he joined the team at the world renowned Coolmore Stud. After 6 years of an “amazing experience, education and foundation” at Coolmore, he ventured into a bigger role in 2002 as broodmare manager under the guidance of Gabriel Duignan at Dr. Tony Ryan's newly acquired Castleton Lyons farm in Kentucky. He eventually moved into an even bigger role as asst. farm manager, exposing himself to many more elements of the farm, including the stallion operation. Kieran joined WinStar Farm in November of 2008.

"I am very proud to be joining the stellar cast at WinStar and will be forever grateful to the many people who helped get me here. WinStar is one of the most progressive and exciting farms in North America. After only 8 years, she has already established herself at the top of the heavyweight division. With one of the best stallion rosters in the business and a top class broodmare band, the future only looks brighter."

Jimmy Tate

Assistant Broodmare Manager
jimmy@winstarfarm.com

Jimmy is currently a resident of Woodford County where he has lived all of his life. He came to WinStar in December 2002. His father worked with horses his entire life, therefore, he decided to follow in his footsteps. He has had the chance to work at many great and well-known farms such as Ashford Stud and Lane’s End Farm. Jimmy has done a little bit of everything in this industry from cleaning stalls to grooming horses. Jimmy is currently the Assistant Broodmare Manager here at WinStar Farm.

John Durr

Assistant Broodmare Manager
jdurr@winstarfarm.com

John brings 20 years of experience in the thoroughbred industry to WinStar Farm. He worked for Gainsborough Farm for 13 years, working in all areas from broodmares to foaling. As the stallion barn foreman, he had the privilege of taking care of Hansel, Shadeed, Quiet American, and Elusive Quality. John has also worked with the stallions at Adena Springs before the farm moved to Paris, KY. Most recently, John was the manager of Frankfort Park Farm overseeing the farm and sales operation. Currently, John resides in Lawrenceburg with his wife Emily and two sons, Dalton and Lucas.

Richard Budge

Farm Trainer
rbudge@winstarfarm.com

Richard brings 32 years of international experience in the Thoroughbred industry to WinStar. Born in England, he worked for Toby Balding and then in France for J. Pease. Later, he was invited to the U.S. by Cot Campbell of Dogwood Stables and assisted in breaking their yearlings. In addition, Richard worked for Steve DiMauro for many years in New York, California and Florida. He took out his trainer's license in 1997, training privately for Art Preston's LOR Stables and winning many stakes from a European-styled training center in Texas. Richard started with WinStar in January 2002 and is primarily responsible for the preparation and rehabilitation of the WinStar racehorses.

Originally from Rochester, New York, Sean gained much of his early experience with horses at Finger Lakes Racetrack where he worked as a groom as well as in various roles at his father’s equine veterinary practice. While attending the University of Kentucky, Sean began working at Hill ‘N’ Dale Farms as a foaling attendant. After seven years and ascending to assistant division manager, Sean accepted the assistant farm manager’s role at Paul’s Mill until joining WinStar in August 2011 as assistant trainer.

Sean Tugel

Assistant Trainer
stugel@winstarfarm.com

Originally, from Rochester, New York, Sean gained much of his early experience with horses at Finger Lakes Racetrack where he worked as a groom and in various roles at his father’s equine veterinary practice. While attending the University of Kentucky, Sean began working at Hill ‘N’ Dale Farms as a foaling attendant. After seven years and ascending to assistant division manager, Sean accepted the assistant farm manager’s role at Pauls Mill until joining WinStar in August 2011 as assistant trainer.

 

Gerry Davis

Maintenance Manager
gdavis@winstarfarm.com

Gerry grew up helping work the family farm in Shelbyville, Ky. The farm raised cattle, tobacco, and hay crops. He was involved in FFA and 4H during his youth. The past 20 years, he and his family have owned and operated a large plant nursery and garden center in eastern Jefferson County. He has also owned racehorses for the past 15 years and has a great passion for the sport. He is looking forward to putting his farm knowledge and passion together here at WinStar. He and Lisa have a grown son and daughter.