Spendthrift's Toffey Named Farm Manager of the Year

Ned Toffey of Spendthrift Farm has been named the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club 2024 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year. The committee feels Toffey'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, who owns Spendthrift along with his wife, Tamara. "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." Toffey started at Spendthrift in 2004 under the late B. Wayne Hughes. He and Hughes worked tirelessly to restore the historic Spendthrift Farm to its glory. During his tenure as general manager, Toffey has had the opportunity to be around some of the top horses in the world reigning five-time leading general sire Into Mischief, Hall of Famer Beholder, leading sire Malibu Moon, and 2020 Horse of the Year Authentic, among others. Toffey serves on the board of directors for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, Gluck Equine Research Center, the KTFMC, and is a Breeders' Cup member. He and his wife, Katie, have been married for 32 years. Together they have four adult children: Megan, Daniel, Annie, and Matthew (wife Natalie and their son, Ellis). The KTFMC will host its annual Dinner Dance to honor Toffey at the Carrick House in Lexington Dec. 6. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds benefiting a charity of Ned's choosing. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the event will be available for purchase through KTFMC's website later this month.