Brisset no longer training privately for WinStar

Less than six months after announcing intentions to make its training center a greater focal point in its far-flung racing operations, WinStar Farm is again making a slight change in its operation, with trainer Rudy Brisset re-opening his stable to outside clients.

Brisset, 39, began overseeing the WinStar training center in late spring of 2022, but “it just wasn’t working the way we wanted it,” he said. “We are still working together – just going back to the way things were before. I have 20 stalls at Keeneland and 20 at Oaklawn Park for now, many for WinStar and their clients. I just want to put the word out that I’m not private any more.”

:: DRF Bets members get FREE DRF Past Performances - Formulator or Classic. Join now!

Neal McLaughlin and Terry Arnold will now oversee the training center, Elliott Walden, WinStar president and CEO, said Monday. “This is just a tweak,” he said.

WinStar, located in Versailles, Ky., has been a powerhouse among North American breeders and owners for nearly 20 years. Now owned solely by Kenny Troutt, the farm is best known as a co-owner of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify and the owner-breeder of 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver. WinStar frequently races in partnerships with a wide variety of clients and also employs a number of other trainers across the country.

Brisset, a French native and former jockey who went on his own in 2017 following a lengthy tenure as an assistant to Bill Mott, has produced career highs in wins (43) and stable earnings ($3.65 million) in 2022. His four stakes wins on the year include the Grade 3 Fantasy with Yuugiri and the Grade 3 Peter Pan with We the People. Brisset and his wife, Brooke, own and operate September Farm, also in Versailles.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.