Breathnach hired as director of sales operations at Keeneland

Keeneland has named prominent bloodstock consultant Cormac Breathnach, most recently of Airdrie Stud, as its new director of sales operations as the company heads into a season of changing leadership.

Keeneland, which next hosts a live auction with the marquee Keeneland September yearling sale, announced in late April that Tony Lacy had joined the company as its vice president of sales. Meanwhile, Breathnach is succeeding director of sales operations Geoffrey Russell, who announced his retirement in April following 25 years with Keeneland. Russell will remain in a consulting role through 2021.

“I have long admired [Breathnach's] professionalism, knowledge, and integrity, which is second to none, and have had the pleasure of watching him develop in the industry and gain the respect of a broad range of professionals," Lacy said in a press release. "His skill set, personality, and strong work ethic will help evolve Keeneland sales for the future. In addition, his background in research and animal welfare is a valuable asset as we continue to strive to set higher standards for the industry.”

Breathnach, a native of Galway, Ireland, owns a doctorate in veterinary science from the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center. He went on to work for eight years as the stallion seasons and matings consultant at Adena Springs. Since 2017, he has served as director of stallion nominations at Airdrie Stud.

Breathnach, who is on the board of both the Gluck Foundation and the Secretariet Center, also founded Galway Bloodstock, a consultancy that has provided a range of services including auction representation, racehorse management, and matings analysis.

“It is a great honor to be named director of sales operations at Keeneland,” Breathnach said. “Keeneland is a world-renowned cornerstone of the Thoroughbred industry, and to participate in its progressive mission under [Keeneland president and CEO] Shannon Arvin, Tony Lacy, and the talented team already in place is a privilege.

“I have spent the last 12 years working with breeders, consignors, and buyers on behalf of two of the preeminent stud farms in the Bluegrass, and I am excited to carry those relationships through to this new role with Keeneland,” Breathnach continued. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given along the way, particularly to Bret Jones and his family for four successful years at Airdrie Stud.”