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On the Rise: Andrew Fernung

In this monthly BH interview, Karen M. Johnson profiles young racing personalities.

Andrew Fernung

Andrew Fernung

Courtesy OBS

Andrew Fernung, 35, joined the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company in November as assistant sales coordinator. His family name draws respect in Ocala, Fla., as his father, John Fernung, was a renowned horseman and instrumental in mentoring several members of his family who now work in the industry. John, who died in 2021 at 79, worked as the racing manager and later as the farm manager for three-time Eclipse Award-winning owner Dan Lasater in the 1970s and early 1980s. Later, John would forge a business relationship with prominent owner/breeder John Franks to form Southland Farm in Ocala. 

Deepening the family involvement in the business is Andrew's aunt and uncle, Crystal and Brent Fernung, of Journeyman Bloodstock.

Andrew, who is married with two young children, comes to OBS with 15 years experience as a farm trainer, first at Journeyman Bloodstock, from 2009-16, and then with the stable of Eddie and Angela Woods at their training center, until accepting his OBS position.

Fernung's answers are edited for clarity and space.

BloodHorse: At what age did you start working around horses and at what point did you decide to pursue a career in the industry?

Andrew Fernung: I started walking hots at Classic Mile (Training Center) on the weekends when I was 12 or 13 years old. My parents would drop me off in the morning and then pick me up after training. By the time I was around 15, I was (consumed) with horses 100%. I would go work with my uncle at Journeyman on all the school breaks. All I really wanted to do was to be around a horse.

BH: What are some of the important lessons you learned from your father about horsemanship, as well as about life? 

AF: Keep your head down and work hard. He laid out the foundation that I needed to make a point of surrounding myself with good horsemen. 

John Fernung, former manager of Southland Farm with owner/breeder John Franks. Fernung died March 5 in Ocala, Fla.
Photo: Courtesy Journeyman Stud
John Fernung (left) with John Franks

BH: Before your father's death, he was able to see how far you had come in the industry. How did he feel about the progress you had made?

AF: He was happy to see that I was doing what I loved and that I was with people who were not only good horsemen, but good people to be around in general. 

BH: How did your work as a farm trainer before coming to OBS prepare you for your new job?

AF: Brent and Crystal were my first full-time job. When I went to work there they honestly just handed me a pitchfork and said, 'If you want to be in the horse industry, this is it. You have to get on with it.' 

They helped me realize that a lot of hard work goes into working in the Thoroughbred industry. They foaled mares, had stallions, and a training division. It was hopping all the time. I was foaling mares at night and going to the training barn during the day. They were always supportive of whatever I had going on. 

After Journeyman, I went to work for Eddie and Angela Woods. I was proud to have worked for them for an extended period of time. 

I remember being at OBS as a kid and seeing six or seven horses coming down the horse path-with riders wearing red and black-I would call it the red- and-black train. I thought to myself then, 'I want to be a part of that.'

Working for Eddie is almost like working for Nick Saban (the former coach) of the University of Alabama football team. It's a well-oiled machine. Everything is so organized and always going forward. Being part of that meant a lot to me.

Brent and Crystal Fernung on  Nov. 14, 2019 Keeneland in Lexington, KY.
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Brent and Crystal Fernung

BH: Why did you decide to make a switch to a different side of the industry? 

AF: Family. Being an assistant at a huge farm can be very demanding, and life is different when you have kids. I basically grew up at OBS, so learning how things are done from the inside here is something that I wanted to do. I'm very thankful for the opportunity and I'm looking forward to the future at OBS. 

It was a hard decision, and I thought about it for a while, maybe about six months. I wanted to make sure that things were OK by Eddie and Angela, basically. 

BH: What are your duties at OBS? 

AF: I've been helping (sales coordinator) Chad Johnson inspect March sales entrants (for the 2-year-old auction). I've also been working alongside (president) Tom Ventura, (director of sales) Tod Wojciechowski, and (IT coordinator) Jordin Rosser, preparing to get online sales ready. I've been working with all of the team.

BH: What does the inspection process entail?

AF: Basically evaluating whether the horses are ready for an early sale, or maybe they need time and would do better in a sale later on. The horse will let you know. You can almost look at a horse and know. Body type, the way they are built, and the way they move. Pedigree plays a part in it. 

BH: How has your life changed since joining OBS?

AF: Family time (increased) and being able to work in the yard. Watching more horse racing and college football. 

BH: Given your family background in the industry, would you like for your children to follow you into the horse business? 

AF: Absolutely, but education first. Once horses get a hold of you, you've got no shot (to do anything else).