Johnson family buys Silver Springs Farm

Silver Springs Farm in Bourbon County, Ky., has been purchased by Steve and Shelly Johnson of Midway, Ky.

The 298-acre property has operated as Silver Springs since it was first developed in 1985 by noted horseman Randy Roberts for the late John and Marie Costelloe of Co. Kildare, Ireland, named for the large natural limestone spring that supplies water for the farm’s livestock. It was listed for $2.5 million by Kirkpatrick and Co.

The Johnsons have integrated the recently-purchased Silver Springs into the 125-acre tract of land they are currently operating on the other side of the road to form two divisions operated together as Silver Springs Stud.

“Because of the commitment our family has made to Silver Springs Stud and the mission we have of keeping our horse volume low, and the raising of our babies in large, open fields, we believe this boutique-style of management will be in the best interests of not only the horses, but also in the best interests of their owners,” Johnson said. “The natural resources we have on Silver Springs coupled with the dynamic young staff we are putting together will enable us to optimize every opportunity to produce tough, durable, competitive athletes that are capable of competing at the highest levels of Thoroughbred racing, just as the history of Silver Springs has already proven. This opportunity is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me in the industry.”

Silver Springs Farm was noted for producing a high percentage of stakes winners from a small percentage of broodmares under the Roberts/Costelloe management program. The list of stakes winners bred and raised at Silver Springs includes Elusive Quality, Elusive City, Crimson China, Star of Paris, Parisian Affair, Rossini, and Seeking Greatness, among others.