KatieRich Farms, a recognized boutique horse breeding, training and boarding farm in Midway, Ky., has announced that Mark Hubley, who has been with the farm since its inception, has stepped down as president but will continue on as a consultant.
George Barnes, who was most recently vice president, has been tapped to fill the role. As president, Barnes will work closely with Farm Manager Tammy Ingebritson in the day-to-day activity of the farm, while also overseeing bloodstock research, stallion matings and sales. In addition, Danny Leitch has been promoted from assistant trainer to trainer, where he will be responsible for all training duties at the farm as well as Rice Road. The management changes go into effect immediately.
“On behalf of everyone at KatieRich Farms, we want to thank Mark for his many contributions to the farm since its inception,” said Larry and Karen Doyle, owners of KatieRich Farms. “He has been with us every step of the way – from a trainer to farm visionary to president – and we wouldn’t be where we are today without his vision, experience, knowledge and business acumen. Moving forward, we are so grateful we can still tap into his expertise in a consulting capacity.”
George Barnes entered his role as vice president of KatieRich Farms in 2018. He has been involved in the thoroughbred industry since graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Animal Science in 2014. Barnes previously worked at Blackburn Farm and the Larry Jones Racing Stable. He completed his Masters in Business Administration from Midway University in 2021.
For as long as Daniel Leitch can remember, horses have been a part of his life. After walking hots and cleaning stalls during summers and school breaks, he joined Katie Rich Farms in the fall of 2012 for foaling season on weekends and then fulltime after graduating in 2013. His responsibilities have evolved over the last decade from sales prepping and breaking yearlings to assistant trainer and now his new position as trainer.
“With his astute familiarity of bloodlines, pedigrees and breeding trends along with his extensive contacts in the Lexington area, George Barnes, along with Daniel Leitch, who I’ve watched mature into a consummate professional, will resolutely lead the farm into a successful future,” said Mark Hubley, outgoing president of KatieRich Farms. “I have the utmost confidence that they will both make great contributions to the farm in the coming years.”
“The changes in management at KatieRich Farms demonstrate the quality and depth of our tenured bench, and we look forward to working with the team as we continue to lead the farm to meet its targets, sales goals and fulfill its mission of being one of the country’s leading horse breeding farms,” said the Doyles.
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