WinStar’s Walden resigns; Duffy appointed as successor

In a plan for the future, WinStar Farm announced on January 7 that Gerry Duffy will return to become president on April 1. Elliott Walden will remain CEO until October 1, with Duffy taking over as CEO and president from October 1.

“I have been blessed to work for Kenny Troutt for the past 25 years,” Walden said. “Under his visionary leadership, we have won a Triple Crown, two Kentucky Derbies, three Belmont Stakes, five Breeders’ Cups and four Eclipse Awards. Kenny has tremendous instincts and together we have built a team with a wealth of experience. The success we have achieved has been a collective effort and I have enjoyed supporting Kenny’s vision.

“Timing is everything in a transition of this magnitude,” Walden added. “Early last year, I told the Troutt family my plans to step down. Five years ago, I wrote in my diary my top choice to be WinStar’s next CEO, and that name was Gerry Duffy. I couldn’t be happier that he accepted the role, and I look forward to supporting Gerry, David (Hanley) and the entire team during this transition and into the future.”

Regarding the leadership transition and the long-term vision for WinStar, Troutt expressed his gratitude for Walden and the team, as well as his optimism for the years ahead.

“I am so grateful for the team at WinStar and what they have done for my family,” Troutt said. “We have had tremendous success in recent years and are just getting started. I hope we will have the farm in the family for years to come. I want to thank Elliott for his leadership over the past 25 years and look forward to the next chapter at WinStar.”

Recognizing the strong foundation already in place, Duffy shared his excitement about the partnership and his respect for the Troutt family’s lasting impact on the industry.

“Kenny’s vision has always been the driving force at WinStar,” Duffy said. “He calls us to ‘Dream Big’ and we plan to continue doing that. I look forward to getting back to work with Kenny, Lisa, Preston, the entire Troutt family and the team at WinStar. It is truly the privilege of a lifetime to lead a farm as prestigious as WinStar.”

Reflecting on a period marked by significant achievements, Walden, who will remain involved with WinStar as an advisor, shared his thoughts on the company’s evolution and the bright road ahead.

“I am proud of the milestones we have achieved,” Walden said. “The trophies are symbolic of the years of dedication and hard work of the entire WinStar team. I will always be eternally grateful for the relationships we have built, the lives we have changed and the careers we have helped launch. Whenever a season ends, there is always an element of uncertainty, but one thing I know for certain is that WinStar Farm is in good hands. The future could not be brighter. As for me, I am excited about the next chapter in my life, and that I can Consult with WinStar in 2027. I am at a career stage where I want to use my skills, knowledge and experience in a different way, and I am looking forward to the future.”

The move is the next step in continuing to support Preston Troutt, who has taken on a bigger role on the farm alongside his father Kenny. The senior leadership team will include: Duffy, CEO/President; David Hanley, senior vice president of Bloodstock, who will continue to play a key role in bloodstock decisions; Dr. Natanya Nieman, CEO; and Michael Holmes, CFO.

Duffy started his career in nomination sales at Darley America. He first joined the WinStar team in 2011, when he was director of the stallion season for two years. However, his home country of Ireland beckoned and he was hired by Godolphin as general manager. A return to Kentucky came in 2018, when Duffy took on the role of farm manager at the Stonerside and Raceland farms prior to his most recent role as CEO of Modon Equestrian in Abu Dhabi, where he focused on developing equestrian lifestyle communities.

“What my father, Elliott, and the entire WinStar team have built over the past 25 years is truly remarkable,” said Preston Troutt. “Elliott’s leadership has positioned WinStar as one of the premier businesses in the industry, and we are extremely grateful for his commitment. As Gerry takes on an expanded leadership role, I have tremendous confidence in what lies ahead. With the team we have in place and the strength of our current roster, WinStar is exceptionally well positioned for the future. I couldn’t be more excited about what the next 25 years will bring.”

This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.