Investing in Thoroughbreds The Journey Owning world-class Thoroughbred race horses is one of the gree credentials, McPeek continually ferrets out not only most exciting endeavors in the world. A fast horse can take people on value but future stars at lower price points. McPeek selected the journey of a lifetime as its career unfolds with the elements of a the yearling Curlin at auction for $57,000, and the colt went great storybook – mystery, drama, adventure, fantasy, romance. on to twice be named Horse of the Year and earn more than $10.5 million. While purchasing horses privately and at major Each race horse is its own individual sports franchise, and the right U.S. auctions, McPeek also has enhanced his credentials by one can venture into worlds once only imagined: the thrilling spotlight finding top runners at sales in Brazil and Argentina. of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes, or to the gathering of champions at the Breeders’ Cup. The right one can lead As a trainer, McPeek has saddled horses in some of the to the historic beauty of Saratoga biggest events in the world, including the Kentucky Derby, Race Course, the horse heaven Breeders’ Cup, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. Among the called Keeneland or under “Kenny has a unique eye nearly 100 Graded Stakes races that McPeek has won is the the famed twin spires at for Thoroughbred racing talent. He is a 2002 Belmont Stakes with Sarava. More recently in 2020, he Churchill Downs. campaigned the Eclipse Award Winning filly, Swiss Skydiver, superb developer of early racing potential and to triumph in the Preakness. The goal of owning consistently delivers the maximum while looking a Thoroughbred is to out for the welfare of the athlete” With expertise in management, as well as equine conforma- race among the fastest tion and racing, McPeek matches the right horses with each horses in the world, – Runnymede Farm, breeder of Tejano Run, owner, working within their budget while maximizing the and, in the right hands, the McPeek trainee who finished 2nd in the potential for success. the road leads to the 1995 Kentucky Derby winner’s circle at the McPeek has developed his reputation by building relation- highest levels of the sport. ships and exceeding the expectations of clients. With an attention to detail second to none and complete knowledge Ken McPeek is in the business of making these dreams a reality. He is a of all facets of the racing game, he does the one thing valued consummate horsemen and manager, respected as one of the premier above all – he puts horses in positions to win. judges of bloodstock and Thoroughbred pedigrees in the world. He also ranks among the top buying agents, representing his clients at the elite yearling sales in the country. He is continually seeking out new owners, people who have found success in their lives and are ready to celebrate and enjoy it by immersing themselves in the greatest game in the world. Purchasing Thoroughbreds with Ken McPeek is a gateway to excitement. “It’s a game of extreme ups and downs; it’s the highest highs,” McPeek says. “One of the most enjoyable things owners will ever experience in their lives is winning a horse race. It’s a game that takes resiliency. You have to look at it as entertainment, and I don’t want anyone to think about doing this unless they’re going into it to enjoy it.” Purchasing yearlings and racing with Ken McPeek gives an owner a great chance at success. McPeek, and the bloodstock agents who work for him, are renowned for identifying innate talent others overlook. While some buyers plunge into the unknown, bidding hundreds of thousands of dollars on a single unproven horse with glittering pedi- 502-494-6275 (Kenny cell) 859-254-9969 (farm) [email protected] McPeek Facilities cPeek Racing, founded in 1985, is headquartered at Magdalena McPeek Racing, with its specialized personnel, is designed for optimally M efficient management and care of horses on a daily basis. Through sound Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Upon purchasing horses at the sales, yearlings are shipped to Magdalena to be assessed. The yearlings are typically sent to business practices, strong relationships, honesty, and good humor, clients Silverleaf Training Center in late fall to begin the training process. know the progress of their horses at all times. When horses are ready to compete, they are Magdalena Farm sent to one of the McPeek Racing divisions, Magdalena Farm comprises 115 prime acres in the Horse Capitol of the “Silverleaf is a great addition World. It has 5 barns with 63 stalls, 23 turnout paddocks and a two-mile EquiSport Photos currently based in Florida, Kentucky, and with everything you want in a training center. New York. McPeek selects the track European-style grass gallop for conditioning. McPeek purchased the The years prior we had dozens of horses at each of six property in 2006 and refurbished it. where he expects his horses to training divisions. We had good people in all spots and achieve their greatest success. we did fine. But logistically it was difficult. This will The farm has an illustrious history, dating back to the Revolutionary War. It make us stronger.” The McPeek Team uses only the highest has been home to many famous Thoroughbreds, including 1959 Kentucky – Kenny McPeek quality equipment, feed, straw and hay. All Derby winner Tomy Lee and Devil Diver, the three-time Horse of the Year. medications used in training and racing strictly adhere to industsry rules and regulations. We do not take short cuts. Silverleaf Training Center Silverleaf Training Center in Ocala, Florida was purchased by McPeek in The operations together provide services for breaking, racing, layup, 2019. Formerly the Summerfield Training Center, the property includes a six rehabilitation, sales preparation, breeding and foaling. All entries and furlong training track, 20 paddocks, and four 24-stall barns. nominations are taken care of by McPeek and staff. McPeek has made improvements that directly benefit the two-year-olds’ “The business is run on the premise of a management style called “The training such as having the track graded and adding a fully operational One-Minute Manager,” McPeek says. “I delegate out to the right people and starting gate. New fencing and paddocks were also added. communicate what I want done. The day-to-day details, the grooms, for example, these people all know what to do. There is no chaos.” Clients have comprehensive access to information, guidance and services. When a horse is racing, McPeek’s office provides past performances and direction on contacting tracks for reserved seating or a box. The company controls its own vans, so McPeek horses have great flexibility in where and when they race around the country. 502-494-6275 (Kenny cell) 859-254-9969 (farm) [email protected] Magdalena Farm – An Integral Piece of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred History July 27 1994- 1780 SHELY FAMILY ERA 1940s 1979 2006 2006 ORIGINAL LAND DEEDED to Magdalena Weber marries THE STALLION STATION PILLAR STUD Farm sold and divided multiple times. MAGDALENA FARM IS BORN Captain David and Mary Hurst Shely John Shely (b. 6/2/1793), son Land developed into a Thoroughbred Farm The duPont Family purchases farm. Farm and land left uncared for and Kenny McPeek purchases the land and for service in the Revolutionary War. of David and Mary Shely. operating under the name “The Stalliaon The farm during the duPont deteriorated into a poor condition. renames the farm Magdalena in honor of Land Warrant #1170 consisting of 1216 acres which Magdalena is considered to be the Station”, one of the first commercial ownership helped shape the the former Matriarch during the Shely Era. included a large “savanah” on the Matriarch of the land for 40+ years. Thoroughbred stallion businesses. developing Thoroughbred industry. head of a branch of the Elk River. Magdalena Partnerships K enny McPeek shops for yearlings almost exclusively at the top “No Stone Unturned” yearling auctions throughout the country – starting with the Fasig-Tipton July Sale in Lexington, followed by the Saratoga Sale in August; the New York-bred McPeek is an expert at dissecting pedigree, but he primarily looks at Preferred Yearlings Sale, also at Saratoga; the Keeneland September Yearling conformation and targets the best physical specimens in a sale. Expected sales Sale in Lexington; and the Fasig-Tipton October Sale in Lexington. price, at the beginning of his work, is no object. If a yearling is out of the great race mare Serena’s Song and expected to “People Should Be Unafraid” command $4 million, he still will put it on his initial list if he likes the way the horse looks. McPeek typically has horses on his short list “Buying into without a particular buyer for a specific horse. partnerships is a good We leave no stone unturned. “There’s a team of us, myself, Dominic Brennan, and Rather than let the prospect get away – Alan Shell, we look at every horse. We’re looking for athletes. There’s a conforma- especially if he believes the horse is being way to diversify your risk tion factor there. You want a horse with a good hip and a great hind leg. And you undervalued in the sales ring – he will buy want a horse that walks really well,” McPeek says. the horse himself, and sell shares through a and diversify expenses.” co-ownership under the name Magdalena – Kenny McPeek Short List for Clients Racing Partnerships. McPeek buys for individual owners and partnerships. He will also help owners Typically share are 20-25% of ownership depending on team with others to create partnerships, or, often, race under the banner of Mag- the cost.