Darley Flying Start graduate Michael Hardy has accepted the position of farm manager for Margaux Farm, the Midway, Ky. operation announced Sept. 28.
A native of Kilkeel County in Northern Ireland, Hardy recently completed Darley's international management training program. His placements while in Flying Start included Taylor Made Sales in the United States, Chris Waller Racing Stable in Australia, Mike de Kock in Dubai, and Goffs Bloodstock Sales in his native Ireland.
Hardy graduated with honors from the University of Limerick, and also graduated from the Irish National Stud where he was awarded the gold medal for top of the class upon graduating.
Before Darley and the Irish National Stud, Michael managed Ballygowan House Stud in Northern Ireland.
"Michael brings a unique international perspective to our operation," said Steve Johnson, Margaux's general manager. "With the revitalized direction we are going with our breeding and training programs, Michael's horse experience and his business acumen will be a huge attribute to Margaux Farm."
Margaux Farm, initially formed in 1984 under the name Margaux Stud, was originally located on 615 acres in Woodford County on Old Frankfort Pike. In 1993 Margaux acquired its current 320 acres located in Woodford and Scott counties, surrounded and protected on three sides by the Elkhorn Creek.
This property has produced runners Roses In May, Sara Louise, Sutra, Harvard Avenue, Howe Great, Bench The Judge, Cuentmelotoo, Kaweah Princess, My List, and Rewritten, among others.
The farm recently began development of an expanded training and rehabilitation program when Jim and Susan Hill of Calgary, Alberta, Canada formed a new partnership with principals Dr. Joseph Fowler and his wife, Lynn, and Steve and Shelley Johnson.