Dickson to be farm manager for Barton Thoroughbreds

Kevin Dickson, formerly the farm manager at Vessels Stallion Farm in Bonsall, Calif., will take the job of farm manager at Barton Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez, Calif., in August, the farm announced on Wednesday.

Barton Thoroughbreds, owned by Southern California businessman Richard Barton, is finalizing the purchase of Magali Farm, a deal currently in escrow that is expected to close July 31.

Dickson helped to oversee the transition of Vessels Stallion Farm, a Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred facility, to its current status as Ocean Breeze Farm, for Thoroughbreds. Scoop Vessels died in a plane crash in 2010. The property was sold by his family in late 2015.

The Barton family has increased its Thoroughbred holdings in recent years to include the first-year stallion Champ Pegasus and more than 200 mares, many acquired at breeding stock sales in Kentucky.

Dickson’s hiring was announced in a statement released by Kate Barton, Richard Barton’s daughter, who manages the family’s racing holdings.

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