WinStar's Hanley Named KY Farm Manager of the Year

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club has selected David Hanley as its 2025 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year. This prestigious award honors individuals who exemplify excellence in farm management and service to the community. The KTFMC said Hanley's career is a testament to those ideals. Drawing on his diverse horsemanship, Hanley has been key in sourcing and identifying top horses throughout his career. "He truly is a humble man whose recognition is not only deserved but long overdue," said KTFMC president Charles Hynes. "We hope this award honors his contributions." With his appointment as general manager of WinStar Farm in 2013, Hanley has enjoyed a remarkably successful tenure. Known for his keen eye for equine talent, Hanley has played an instrumental role in the farm's success, resulting in WinStar's acquisition of 11 grade 1 winners (12 overall, when homebred Patch Adams is included) who have racked up a 23 grade 1 wins during that span. The impressive list includes 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, as well as Life Is Good, Improbable, and Mullikin. Additionally, WinStar Farm twice has been honored with an Eclipse Award as outstanding breeder—in 2016 and 2020. "I am honored and grateful to the Kentucky Farm Managers' Club to be selected for this prestigious award," Hanley said. "It's truly humbling to join the list of past honorees, many of whom are horsemen I have long admired and respected. This recognition reflects the collective hard work of the team at WinStar, and I'm privileged to work alongside Elliott Walden. Our collaborative efforts in selecting yearlings for WinStar's racing stable have been a major factor in the farm's success." Walden—the president, CEO, and racing manager for WinStar Farm—praised Hanley's contributions and talents, saying, "It is a great honor to see David receive such a well-deserved award, and we are delighted for him and his wife, Ann. We are very blessed to have David as part of our team. He is a great friend, and his eye for a young horse is outstanding. He has been an instrumental part of our success for the last 12 years, and we are honored to share in his success. The KTFMC could not have made a better choice." Hanley, a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and son of Peter and Joan Hanley, spent his early years riding ponies, hunting, and show jumping. After high school, he went to work for legendary horsewoman and world-class rider and teacher Iris Kellett at her County Kildare riding center. He went on to compete at the international level in both show jumping and three-day eventing. He rode for Stal Salland Le Cheval in Holland for two years and for Paul Schockemoehle's Performance Sales International in Germany for three years. Through a chance encounter with Murray McDonnell, Hanley got involved in the Thoroughbred business, managing Whitechurch Farm in Ireland for his close friend and mentor. While with Whitechurch, Hanley began training. His stint with Whitechurch included training the likes of Lidanna, champion older sprinter in Ireland, and eventual grade 1 winner Golden Apples. Hanley also bred the latter with James Egan. Hanley moved his family to Lexington in 2001 to expand his bloodstock interests and joined the WinStar team in 2013. David and Ann have three children, sons Ian and Ben, and daughter Emma, as well as two grandchildren. "We have enjoyed having David work on our management team, and he has been a tremendous asset for the success of WinStar," said WinStar Farm owner Kenny Troutt. "I am very grateful for his contribution to our farm and my family." The KTFMC will honor Hanley as the Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year at its annual dinner dance Dec. 5 at The Carrick House in Lexington. Details for the KTFMC Dinner Dance will be announced at a later time.