| T.E.A.M Together Everyone Achieves More |
"We have assembled a talented staff which has been integral to our success." |
Any job in the horse racing industry is very laborious and time-demanding. Horses require care and attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are few people who can dedicate themselves to the constant rigors of the daily training schedule.
Niall Brennan Stables is extremely proud of the talented horsemen and horsewomen who make up our team. These individuals are vital to the success of our operation. Their dedication and devotion has helped to establish our position as a leading pinhooking operation.
Our employees arrive from all over the world with many different backgrounds in the horse industry. During the past winter training season, for example, our riders represented five different countries!
| Key Leaders Within the Program |
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Niall Brennan
Niall was a successful jockey and won his first race at the age of 16 in his native Ireland. He soon discovered his special talents as a trainer and traveled around the world working at tracks and farms in New Zealand, Australia, California and Kentucky, broadening his knowledge of the thoroughbred industry. In 1987, he relocated to Florida to train for George Steinbrenner at his Kinsman farm.
In 1991 Niall Brennan presented his first consignment at Select Two-Year-Old sales and since then has consistently ranked as a leading consignor in North America and the leading consignor in 1999 with $8,483,500.00 total sales. |
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Mike Ryan
Mike Ryan is a third generation horseman. His father and grandfather, both farmers and breeders in Ireland, passed their love of horses straight down the Ryan family line. Mike's eye for a horse came naturally, and ultimately, it has made him one of North America's top buying agents.
Ryan came to North America in 1974 where he worked at E.P. Taylors Windfields Farm of Northern Dancer fame. He founded his Top Yield agency in 1981. Up to and through 1998 he has purchased over 100 individual stakes winners for his clients, a remarkable achievement in a very competitive market.
"One of my principles is that I wouldn't buy a horse that I wouldn't pay the training bills for myself." |
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Vance Fillingame, Training Center Manager
Vance has been with the program since 1991 and has spent his life working with young racehorses. Previously he worked at such legendary operations as Big "C" Farm, La Cheval Farm and Fred Seitz's Brookdale Farm in Lexington, Ky. Vance plays an important role in the selection and training of the racing prospects as well as managing the 130 acre training center. He is on call 24 hours a day! |
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Greg Smothers, Head Rider
Greg started working with Niall in 1985 and became Niall's first employee when Niall set out on his own. The two of them have worked together as a team for over 15 years. Greg's undisputed ability to adjust to any type of horse has made him an invaluable asset to the program. Prior to joining Niall Brennan Stables, Greg served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. |
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Brian Halligan, Breeze Rider
Brian has been with Niall Brennan Stables for nearly 10 years and is our main breeze rider at the Two Year Old in Training Sales as well as our main breeze rider at the farm. He is one of the leading breeze riders and has been responsible for many of our outstanding breezes at the sales including setting a new 3 furlong breeze time on "Read The Footnotes." |
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Stephanie Brennan, Director of Sales and Marketing
Stephanie has been involved in the racing industry for almost 20 years. Originally from Western Canada, Stephanie's background in both show horses, racehorses as well as has a degree in Sales and Marketing help keep the organization running smoothly.
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Alvaro Romo Assistant Farm Manager
Alvaro has been an integral part of our operations for over 12 years. He has earned everyone's respect with his work ethic and dedication to our operation. Alvaro also acts as our immigration liason. |
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Brenda Parrish, Office Manager
Brenda comes to Niall Brennan Stables with over 20 years of bookkeeping in the horse industry. Her knowledge of horses, business and a million other little tasks make her a valuable asset to our operation and our dogs! |
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Paula Danforth
Paula has been with the operation for more than 15 years and is in charge of the rehabilitation, lay up and retraining of the racehorses into show horses. As well as care of the many unique retirees that we have collected over the years. |
Behind every operation are the unsung heroes. In our operation these are the barn foremen. They work long hours and are responsible for every minute detail pertaining to the horses. They can tell the horses eating and sleeping habits, as well as their likes and dislikes. It is this attention to detail they provide that helps to keep the horses healthy and happy.
We are also proud of our many other employees who have been a important part of the team:
Riders: Paul Harte, Gonzo Romo, Cathy Betts, Amanda Spear, Chris Martin, Ashlea Goss, Rachel Bebe
Sales Staff: Richard Cronin, Alan Rennie, Phil Gibson
Maintenance: Terril Smothers