Cissell rejoins WinStar as director of stallion operations

Tony Cissell has re-joined WinStar Farm to serve as director of stallion operations for the Versailles, Ky. facility.

Cissell left WinStar in the fall of 2011 after working as general manager of the operation for about six years. During his tenure, WinStar won the Eclipse Award as leading owner in 2010, when it campaigned Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and Belmont Stakes winner Drosselmeyer. He had previously worked at Calumet Farm, Middlebrook Farm and Castleton Lyons.

“I am excited to be back as a part of the WinStar team and look forward to contributing to the operation's continued success through the stallion division," Cissell said. "Our future looks very bright as we strive to make the next WinStar leading sire."

In his new role, Cissell will be responsible for operations for WinStar's new stallion complex, which opens for the 2013 breeding season, and expanded stallion roster, while also providing customer service to clients.

“Tony's return to WinStar marks the opening of our new stallion complex and continued expansion of our stallion roster,” said Chris Baker, WinStar’s general manager. “Tony's skill set greatly compliments that of our longtime stallion manager Larry McGinnis. The two of them, in combination with our nominations team, will provide breeders and shareholders with the outstanding service that our strong blend of proven, leading sires and Grade 1-winning, well-bred, well-conformed young sires call for. We can't wait until mid-February gets here and we can get things underway.”

Both Cissell and McGinnis will be on hand to welcome breeders during WinStar's open house for breeders, which runs from Jan. 6 through Jan. 11 from 10 a m. to 2 p.m. each day.