Spendthrift Farm's Ned Toffey has been named the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club (KTFMC) 2024 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year. Toffey has been at Spendthrift since 2004, when he worked with the late B. Wayne Hughes to rebuild the historic farm to a leading modern-day institution in the sport.
KTFMC will host its annual Dinner Dance to honor Toffey at the Carrick House in Lexington on Friday, Dec. 6. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds benefitting a charity of Toffey's choosing.
“Ned's management of Spendthrift, their racing division, and their hugely successful stallion roster on behalf of the late B. Wayne Hughes and now under Eric and Tamara Gustavson has been exemplary and a model for all to follow,” said Adrian Mansergh-Wallace, president of KTFMC. “More than that though Ned is a great family man, admired by his peers, friends, and clients alike, and has mentored countless members of the Thoroughbred industry.”
As General Manager of Spendthrift, Toffey has been responsible for the stallion career of reigning five-time leading sire Into Mischief, Hall of Famer Beholder, leading sire Malibu Moon, Horse of the Year Authentic, and many others. Toffey serves on the Board of Directors for the KTA/KTOB, Breeders' Cup, Gluck Center, and KTFMC.
In a release from the organization, officials from KTFMC said, “The committee felt Ned's dedication, success, loyalty, and kindness to those around him are unmatched, and under his leadership and guidance, Spendthrift has become a global powerhouse in the breeding industry.”
Eric Gustavson, current owner of Spendthrift with his wife, Tammy, added: “Wayne Hughes did a lot of great things for Spendthrift Farm. The first was hiring Ned Toffey to be our General Manager. Tammy and I are so thankful to have him running the show. Ned is dedicated to the farm, extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of our business, and has an amazing team approach in his leadership style. He's well respected in the industry, but even more so by us.”
Toffey has been married to his wife, Katie, for 32 years. They have four children, all adults: Matthew (married to Natalie), Megan, Daniel, and Annie. They also have one grandson, Ellis.
Tickets for the Dec. 6 Dinner Dance, as well as sponsorship opportunities, will be available for purchase through KTFMC's website later this month.
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