Niall Brennan Stables

"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! 

	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 numerous times. Niall is also an active member on the board of The Breeder's Cup,  Ocala Breeder's Sales Company, Fasig Tipton Sales Company and is the president of the Ocala Farm Ministry.
	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 150 acre training center. He is on call 24 hours a day!  Vance is the proud father of Madelaine.
	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 20 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.
	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.
	Alvaro Romo,  Assistant Farm Manager Alvaro has been an integral part of our operations for over 15 years.  He has earned everyone's respect with his work ethic and dedication to our operation.   Alvaro also acts as our immigration liasson and has help to establish our solid core group of grooms who take part in the H2B visa program.
	Jessica Stegall Walker Jessie joined our team as a rider. An unfortunate riding accident (on a show horse) changed her career direction and she quickly assumed the role of training center administrative assistant. She has been responsible for keeping the training center organized ever since. Recently married, Jessie enjoys riding her retired racehorse (NBS Graduate Tizawizard) at local horse shows and is completing a degree as an x-ray technologist.
	Kathy VonGerhard, Office Manager   Kathy joins the NBS team with a vast background in accounting, bookkeeping and horse experience.  When not inundated with office affairs, Kathy is busy keeping the beloved office dogs in line and entertained!
	Paula Danforth Paula has been with the operation for almost 20 years.  She manages the home farm and provides hands on care for most of the Final Furlong Horses.
	Dee Trip Dee joined the NBS team three years ago with a vast background in the horse industry and is our official “jack of all trades”. Dee is quick to fill any position that is needed. She is just as comfortable on the pony, as she is doing office work or driving a tractor! Dee is a valuable assistant to Vance in the office and also is responsible for all the photographs on the client pages.

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:
Sales Staff: Horacio Aquilar, Alan Rennie, Cathy Betts, Dennis Bell.
Maintenance: Paul Harte
 

• Join Our Team