Tony Cissell has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at Three Chimneys, the farm announced Tuesday. Cissell, who has managed the likes Crescent Farm, Calumet Farm and WinStar Farm, has been at Three Chimneys running the Big Sink division for the last five years.
“I've known Tony for over a decade and have always admired his high level of horsemanship and his excellent people skills,” said Chairman and Three Chimneys owner Goncalo Torrealba. “He has done an outstanding job running our yearling division for five years, and has the proven background to take on the added operational responsibilities across the entire farm. He is supported by a tremendous divisional manager team, and I look forward to the future because I am confident they will continue to produce Grade I winners.”
Cissell stated “It is an honor to accept this position at Three Chimneys, and I am grateful to the Torrealba family, my co-workers, and our clients for all of their support in this transition. I have had many great jobs and a lot of experience at all levels, starting with my first job working for Lee Eaton who was a pioneer at consigning and preparing future racehorses. I have learned something from every job I've had, and I look forward to taking on the operational reins at Three Chimneys. It is an exciting time to be at Three Chimneys, particularly with the rise of Gun Runner and the outstanding broodmare band to support him and our other stallions. The team at Three Chimneys is outstanding, and I am excited to work with them to get Grade I results.”
Previous COO Chris Baker is resigning from his position after more than a decade at Three Chimneys.
Baker stated, “First and foremost, I want to thank the Torrealba Family for all the outstanding opportunities they have given me over the past 11 years. From Champions and Classic winners like Gun Runner, Wonder Wheel and Early Voting to Grade I winners like Carina Mia, Guarana, Volatile and Gun Pilot, it has been my privilege to work alongside such a great family, great team, and great horses operating at the highest level of our sport. The passion, guidance, resources and trust bestowed on the Three Chimneys team by Goncalo and his siblings has provided all of us the chance to do meaningful things–the connection to Gun Runner being the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“I am at a career stage where I want to use my skills, knowledge and experience in a different way,” Baker continued. “As a result, I've made the hard decision to step away from an everyday role as COO to start my own venture as an advisor where I will help people reach their goals in all facets of the industry. Under Tony's leadership, I anticipate continued if not greater success at the highest level for Three Chimneys. I am equally optimistic for the future of Baker Thoroughbred Advisory, working with clients to reach their Grade I goals in breeding, racing and sales.”
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