Walden to step back from WinStar role with Duffy to become CEO

Elliott Walden will depart WinStar in October after 25 years with the famed American farm, with Gerry Duffy to step in as chief executive.

In what will be the end of an era for the Kentucky-based operation, Walden, who initially started training for WinStar in 2002 and has been chief executive of the Troutt family-owned operation since 2010, will step away, although he will remain involved as a consultant.

“I have been blessed to work for Kenny Troutt for the last 25 years. Under his visionary leadership, we’ve won a Triple Crown, two Kentucky Derbies, three Belmont Stakes, five Breeders’ Cups, and four Eclipse Awards,” Walden said.

“The success we’ve achieved has been a collaborative effort, and I have loved my time supporting Kenny’s vision.”

Walden said in a statement that he had been planning his departure for some time and had handpicked his replacement.

“Early last year, I told the Troutt family my plans of stepping down. Five years ago, I wrote in my journal my number one pick to become the next CEO of WinStar, and that name was Gerry Duffy. I couldn’t be happier that he has accepted the role,” he said.

Irish-born Duffy, who previously worked for WinStar for two years as stallions director from 2011, will assume the role of President in April before taking over as chief executive on October 1.

Having spent a decade with Darley and Godolphin in Ireland and Kentucky, he has most recently been the boss of Modon Equestrian in Abu Dhabi.

Preston Troutt recently stepped into a key leadership role at WinStar, supporting his father, Kenny, who purchased the farm in 2000.

“What my father, Elliott, and the entire WinStar team have built over the last 25 years is truly remarkable,” said Preston Troutt.

“Elliott’s leadership has positioned WinStar as one of the premier operations in the industry, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment. As Gerry steps into 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.”

Walden has become a regular traveller to Australia in his time at WinStar, with the farm playing a role in the Newgate’s colts syndicate. WinStar also shuttled More Than Ready to Vinery in Australia and, most recently, was involved in shuttling Cogburn to stand at Widden.