Woodford Thoroughbreds will be consolidating its operations to its Ocala, FL, farm Jan. 1 and the Kentucky farm will be closed. However, Woodford will still breed its mares in Kentucky.
“Unfortunately, Matt Lyons, who has managed the Woodford Farm operations for the past 10 years has chosen not to relocate to Florida,” said Woodford owner John Sykes. “Matt has done a fantastic job in building the Woodford brand and elevating Woodford's standing in the industry. Matt will continue to direct Woodford operations until the transition is complete and will provide advisory services to Woodford, as needed.”
In addition to his role as trainer and general manager of the racing and training division, John Gleason will assume the role of farm operations. Shannon Castagnola will take on the role of Director of Marketing and Client Relations. Lincoln Collins of Kern Thoroughbreds will provide advisory services to Woodford's bloodstock division. He will be responsible for mare acquisition, breeding plans and will directly oversee Woodford's Thoroughbred holdings. Also, Beth Bayer will become Director of Sales consignment at Woodford. She will continue her farm operations and sales consignment at OBS in the January and October sales and Woodford will sell its produce through her consignment at those sale beginning in 2019.
“We welcome these two seasoned veterans to the Woodford Team,” said Sykes. “They will begin participating in the Woodford Operations effective October 2018 but will assume their primary roles January 1, 2019. I greatly appreciate Matt Lyons for his leadership at Woodford. Words cannot express my personal feelings for Matt and his wife Michelle for the contributions they have made. I look forward to continuing our relationship in the years to come and wish them the greatest success.”
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