Darby Dan Farm has named John Hamilton as director of client development at the Lexington farm.
Hamilton has served in the Thoroughbred business for 31 years, 20 of those in his most recent post at the Clay family's Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Ky., where he worked in bloodstock sales and client relations.
"When someone with John's vast skills and experience becomes available, you pick them up. It's that simple. He's an all-star," said Robert Hammond, Darby Dan general manager. "We're excited about the opportunity to have him as part of the team. He'll be an asset in helping us take Darby Dan to where we want to be."
Hamilton began working in the industry in 1983 for weekly trade publications the Thoroughbred Record, and then Thoroughbred Times. He became the executive director of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association for six years while Robert Clay was president, before starting at Clay's Three Chimneys in 1995. In all, he worked for the Clay family for 25 years.
"I am thrilled about joining the very close-knit team at Darby Dan," said Hamilton. "It is a farm with rich history, wonderful land, long-standing family values, and attention to detail. John Phillips and Robert Hammond are doing tremendous things with core divisions such as stallions and sales, and it's very exciting to see their vision for the future of Darby Dan. I'm happy to be a part of it."
