Margaux Farm

Acknowledging that Rich Strike (Keen Ice) will soon be "officially" retired," owner Rick Dawson said Thursday that he has been talking to stallion farms in both Kentucky and New York and hopes to strike a deal shortly so that his 2022 GI Kentucky Derby winner will be available for the upcoming breeding season. "The only reason I haven't officially announced his retirement is that I'm waiting to come to an agreement for stallion rights," Dawson said "Then I can do it all at once, make the announcement that he has...

Rich Strike (Keen Ice), who upset the GI Kentucky Derby at 80-1 in 2022, is set to join trainer Bill Mott, according to owner Rick Dawson. Rich Strike was last seen finishing fifth for his former trainer Eric Reed in the 2023 running of the GII Alysheba S. at Churchill Downs. "Richie visited Rood & Riddle this morning for his final ultrasound test," Dawson said in a Facebook post on Thursday. "All went as good as could be expected & better than expectations on several issues - our plan is...

Dr. Ira Paul Mersack, the former co-owner of Margaux Farm, died on April 10, according to an obituary posted by the Milward Funeral Home in Lexington, Kentucky. He was 83 years old. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in Philadelphia, received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Marietta College, and his medical degree from the University of Kentucky. He served as a major in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He practiced dermatology in Lexington for more than 40 years, first joining Dr. Ullin Leavell's practice, then...

Owner Rick Dawson has changed his mind a few times regarding the career of his GI Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice). One day he's coming back to the races, another day he's to be sold as a stallion prospect, the next day it's back to trying to get him back to the races. It's not that Dawson is indecisive, it's more a matter of him reacting to what is a constantly changing situation. "A few weeks before the sale we had made plans to ship him to Gulfstream...

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...

Matt Bowling was restless, looking for a new business venture. The Louisville native was the co-owner of a leading sales company, Vinery Sales, and the founder of his own bloodstock agency in Bowling Bloodstock. But the successful entrepreneur was looking for something more. Enter Steve Johnson and Kevin Noltemeyer. Johnson created and developed the breaking and training program at Margaux Farm as General Manager there from 1984 to 2014, before passing the training program on to Noltemeyer. Johnson went on to run his own Silver Springs Farm with his son,...