The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club (KTFMC) announced that WinStar Farm’s David
Hanley has been named the 2025 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year. The prestigious award honors
individuals who exemplify excellence in farm management and service to the community. The KTFMC
will honor Hanley at its annual Dinner Dance on Friday, Dec. 5th, at The Carrick House in Lexington,
Kentucky.
With his appointment as general manager of WinStar Farm in 2013, Hanley, who possesses a keen eye
for talent, has enjoyed a remarkably successful tenure. Hanley has played an instrumental role in the
farm’s success, which has resulted in WinStar’s acquisition of 11 Grade 1 winners (12 overall, including
homebred Patch Adams) who have racked up a remarkable 23 Grade 1 wins during that span. The
impressive list includes Triple Crown winner Justify, as well as Life Is Good, Improbable, and Mullikin.
Additionally, WinStar Farm has been honored as Eclipse Award Outstanding Breeder twice—in 2016 and
2020.
“I am honored and grateful to the Kentucky Farm Managers’ Club to be selected for this prestigious
award,” Hanley said. “It’s truly humbling to join the list of past honorees, many of whom are horsemen I
have long admired and respected. This recognition reflects the collective hard work of the team at
WinStar, and I’m privileged to work alongside Elliott Walden. Our collaborative efforts in selecting
yearlings for WinStar’s racing stable have been a major factor in the farm’s success.”
Elliott Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager for WinStar Farm, praised Hanley’s contributions and
talents, saying, “It is a great honor to see David receive such a well-deserved award, and we are
delighted for him and his wife, Ann. We are very blessed to have David as part of our team. He is a great
friend, and his eye for a young horse is outstanding. He has been an instrumental part of our success for
the last 12 years, and we are honored to share in his success. The KTFMC could not have made a better
choice.”
Hanley, a native of Co. Mayo, Ireland, and son of Peter and Joan Hanley, spent his early years riding
ponies, hunting, and showjumping. After high school, he went to work for legendary horsewoman and
world-class rider and teacher Iris Kellett at her Co. Kildare riding center. He went on to compete at the
international level in both showjumping and three-day eventing. He rode for Stal Salland Le Cheval in
Holland for two years and for Paul Schockemoehle’s Performance Sales International in Germany for
three years.
Through a chance encounter with Murray McDonnell, Hanley got involved in the Thoroughbred
business, managing Whitechurch Farm in Ireland for his close friend and mentor. While with
Whitechurch, Hanley began training. His stint with Whitechurch included training the likes of Lidana
(IRE), Champion Older Sprinter in Ireland, and Grade 1 winner Golden Apples (IRE). Hanley also bred the
latter with James Egan.
Along with wife, Ann, Hanley moved his family to Lexington in 2001 to expand his bloodstock interests
and joined the team at WinStar in 2013. David and Ann have three children, sons Ian and Ben, and
daughter Emma, as well as two grandchildren.
“We have enjoyed having David work on our management team, and he has been a tremendous asset
for the success of WinStar,” said WinStar Farm Owner Kenny Troutt. “I am very grateful for his
contribution to our farm and my family.”
