Gerry Duffy announced as next WinStar Farm chief

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Gerry Duffy will become president of WinStar Farm on April 1 as the Troutt family's Kentucky stallion operation plans for the future. Elliott Walden will remain its CEO until October 1, when Duffy will take over as both CEO and president.

Walden has been a key figure in the growth of WinStar, which has over a dozen sires on its roster including major names such as Constitution and Life Is Good. The farm, which is a historic site in the heart of the Bluegrass, was bought by Kenny Troutt and Bill Casner in 2000 and developed into a modern powerhouse involved in racing the likes of Triple Crown hero Justify and Breeders' Cup winner Drosselmeyer.

Formerly a very successful trainer who won a Belmont Stakes with Victory Gallop, Walden has been there since the early days.

"I have been blessed to work for Kenny Troutt for the last 25 years," Walden said. "Under his visionary leadership we’ve won a Triple Crown, two Kentucky Derbies, three Belmont Stakes, five Breeders’ Cups, and four Eclipse Awards. Kenny has tremendous instincts and together we built a team with a wealth of experience. The success we’ve achieved has been a collaborative effort and I have loved my time supporting Kenny’s vision.

"Timing is everything with a transition of this magnitude. Early last year, I told the Troutt family my plans of stepping down. Five years ago, I wrote in my journal my number one pick to become the next CEO of WinStar, and that name was Gerry Duffy. I couldn’t be happier that he has accepted the role and I look forward to supporting Gerry, David [Hanley] and the entire team during this transition and into the future."

Troutt expressed his gratitude to Walden as well as his optimism for the years ahead.

Elliott Walden will leave WinStar Farm later this yearCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"I am so grateful for the team at WinStar, and what they have done for my family," he said. "We have had tremendous success over the years and are just getting started. I hope to have the farm in the family for years to come. I want to thank Elliott for his leadership over the last 25 years and look forward to the next chapter."

Irishman Duffy was at WinStar back in 2011 when he spent two years as stallion seasons director. He later served as Godolphin general manager, farm manager at Stonerside and Raceland Farms and most recently as CEO of Modon Equestrian in Abu Dhabi.

"Kenny’s vision has always been the driving force at WinStar," said Duffy. "He calls us to ‘Dream Big’ and we plan to continue doing just that. I am excited to come back to work with Kenny, the entire Troutt family, and the team at WinStar. It really is the privilege of a lifetime to lead a farm as prestigious as WinStar."

Preston Troutt, who has stepped into a larger role at the farm alongside his father, added: "What my father, Elliott, and the entire WinStar team have built over the last 25 years is truly remarkable. 

"Elliott’s leadership has positioned WinStar as one of the premier operations in the industry, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment. As Gerry steps into an expanded leadership role, I have tremendous confidence in what lies ahead. With the team we have in place and the strength of our current roster, WinStar is exceptionally well positioned for the future. I couldn’t be more excited about what the next 25 years will bring."

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