Toffey named 2024 Farm Manager of the Year by the KTFMC

Spendthrift Farm’s Ned Toffey was named the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club (KTFMC) 2024 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year. The committee noted that Ned’s dedication, success, loyalty, and kindness to those around him are unmatched, and under his leadership and guidance, Spendthrift has become a global powerhouse in the breeding industry.

Adrian Mansergh-Wallace, KTFMC President stated, “Ned’s management of Spendthrift, their racing division, and their hugely successful stallion roster on behalf of the late B. Wayne Hughes and now under Eric and Tamara Gustavson has been exemplary and a model for all to follow. More than that though Ned is a great family man, admired by his peers, friends, and clients alike, and has mentored countless members of the Thoroughbred industry.”

“Wayne Hughes did a lot of great things for Spendthrift Farm. The first was hiring Ned Toffey to be our General Manager,” said Eric Gustavson, Spendthrift owner. “Tammy and I are so thankful to have him running the show. Ned is dedicated to the farm, extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of our business, and has an amazing team approach in his leadership style. He’s well respected in the industry, but even more so by us.”

Ned started at Spendthrift in 2004 under the late B. Wayne Hughes. He and Mr. Hughes worked tirelessly to restore the historic Spendthrift Farm to its glory. During his tenure as General Manager, Ned has had the opportunity to be around some of the top horses in the world, including reigning 5-time champion General Sire Into Mischief, Hall of Famer Beholder, leading sire Malibu Moon, and Horse of the Year Authentic. Ned serves on the Board of Directors for the KTA/KTOB, Breeders’ Cup, Gluck Center, and KTFMC. He and his wife, Katie, have been married for 32 years. Together they have four adult children: Matthew (married to Natalie and their son, Ellis), Megan, Daniel, and Annie.

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club will host its annual Dinner Dance to honor Ned Toffey at the Carrick House in Lexington on Friday, December 6th. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds benefiting a charity of Ned’s choosing. The KTFMC announced that tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the event will be available for purchase later this month through its website www.ktfmc.org.