LEXINGTON, Ky. – WinStar Farm has announced that Gerry Duffy will assume roles as the farm’s president and chief executive officer this year, with Elliott Walden, the former trainer who has been synonymous with the farm over the past two decades, stepping down from those roles but remaining involved with the operation. Duffy will assume the role as president on April 1. Walden will continue as CEO until Oct. 1, when Duffy assumes that role as well. The changes are part of a plan to continue supporting Preston Troutt, who is stepping into a larger role of leadership at the farm alongside his father, farm owner Kenny Troutt. The senior leadership team behind the Troutts will consist of Duffy; David Hanley, senior vice president of bloodstock; general manager Dr. Natanya Nieman; and chief financial officer Michael Holmes. “What my father, Elliott, and the entire WinStar team have built over the last 25 years is truly remarkable,” Preston Troutt said in a release. “Elliott’s leadership has positioned WinStar as one of the premier operations in the industry, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment. As Gerry steps into an expanded leadership role, I have tremendous confidence in what lies ahead.” Walden said in the release that he informed Kenny Troutt last year that he planned to step down. He will remain involved with WinStar as a consultant. :: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available now. “Five years ago, I wrote in my journal my number one pick to become the next CEO of WinStar, and that name was Gerry Duffy,” Walden said. “I couldn’t be happier that he has accepted the role and I look forward to supporting Gerry, David, and the entire team during this transition and into the future. “As for me, I am excited about the next chapter in my life, and to be able to consult with WinStar into 2027. I am at a career stage where I want to use my skills, knowledge, and experience in a different way, and I look forward to what is next.” Duffy, a native of Ireland, began his career in nomination sales with Godolphin’s Darley America after graduating from Godolphin’s Flying Start program in 2007. He had his first stint at WinStar beginning in 2011, when he spent two years as stallion seasons director. He returned to his home country when Godolphin hired him as the general manager of its operations there in 2013. Five years later, he was back in Kentucky to work as Godolphin’s farm manager at its Stonerside and Raceland Farms. His most recent role was as CEO of Modon Equestrian in Abu Dhabi, where he was focused on the development of equestrian lifestyle communities. “Kenny’s vision has always been the driving force at WinStar,” Duffy said. “He calls us to ‘Dream Big,’ and we plan to continue doing just that. It really is the privilege of a lifetime to lead a farm as prestigious as WinStar.” WinStar was founded in 2000 by Kenny Troutt and business partner Bill Casner on the former Prestonwood Farm, a 400-acre property. The two dissolved the partnership in 2010, leaving Troutt as owner of the operation. From those beginnings, WinStar has expanded to cover thousands of acres, along most of Pisgah Pike in Versailles, Ky., and includes a training center, as well as its breeding and stud operations. The farm has a 16-stallion roster for the 2026 season. Walden, who grew up in a multi-generational racing family, took out his trainer’s license in 1985. He won the 1998 Belmont Stakes with Prestonwood’s Victory Gallop, who went on to be the 1999 Eclipse Award champion older horse. He also trained Grade 1 winners Awesome Humor, Brahms, Ecton Park, Hawk Attack, Menifee, and Plenty of Light. :: Subscribe to the DRF Post Time Email Newsletter: Get the news you need to play today's races!  Walden became a private trainer for WinStar, and after retiring from training in 2005, became the farm’s racing manager and later its vice president. He was promoted to president and CEO in November 2010. WinStar won the 2010 Kentucky Derby with Super Saver; that spring’s Belmont Stakes with Drosselmeyer, who went on to take the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Classic; and the 2016 Belmont with Creator. The farm also co-owned 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify. WinStar owns three Eclipse Awards – as outstanding owner in 2010, and as outstanding breeder in 2016 and 2020 – and is a finalist for outstanding breeder in 2025, led by homebred Patch Adams, a multiple Grade 1 winner who joins the stallion roster this year. “I am so grateful for the team at WinStar, and what they have done for my family,” Kenny Troutt said in the release. “We have had tremendous success over the years and are just getting started. I hope to have the farm in the family for years to come. I want to thank Elliott for his leadership over the last 25 years and look forward to the next chapter at WinStar.” :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.