John Gleason will assume the position of farm trainer at Margaux Farm effective Oct. 2, the operation said in a release. He will report directly to the farm's General Manager Richard Budge.
Gleason has amassed over three decades of experience in Thoroughbred horse care management in training, starting and rehab. After beginning his career showing halter and Western pleasure horses, Gleason transitioned into Thoroughbreds in his early 20s at Glen Ridge Farm, where he managed and prepared yearling and 2-year-olds for the sales. Gleason took a position with Bryan and Holly Rice's Woodside Ranch in 2001 and during his time there, helped to break and train horses for the likes of Bob and Beverly Lewis, Jay Em Ess Stable and Overbrook Farm. Gleason comes to Margaux off a 10-year run with Woodford Thoroughbreds in Ocala, where he started as training manager and added farm manager duties five years later.
“With the completion of the new Margaux Tapeta track this fall, we look forward to John making an immediate positive impact at the farm,” the release says.
Margaux Farm has been owned outright by Canadians Jim and Susan Hill (pictured) since 2014 after partnering on the farm for several years. With a variety of trainers, the Hills have campaigned the likes of GISW Grand Arch, GSW & GISP Daddy is a Legend and GSW Tizahit.
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