Aron Wellman, 33, said he has resigned from his position as vice president of Team Valor International.
Wellman in a release said he tendered his resignation June 6, but refrained from making an announcement until after the June 11 Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Team Valor’s Animal Kingdom competed in the third leg of the Triple Crown at Belmont Park. Animal Kingdom, who won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and ran second in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), finished sixth in the Belmont.
Wellman joined Team Valor president and founder Barry Irwin in January 2008. Prior to joining Team Valor, Wellman practiced law in California and formed racing partnerships.
Wellman said that during the time he was with the company, Team Valor won 200 races—58 stakes, 34 of which were graded, including nine grade I events.
“I leave Team Valor on a high note, and Barry (Irwin) and I remain on amicable terms,” Wellman said in a statement. “Working by Barry’s side has provided me with a wealth of knowledge. He is unquestionably one of the smartest and most savvy individuals in the industry.
“I am proud of what we were able to achieve during my time with the company, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have won a Breeders’ Cup race and the Kentucky Derby in what I hope is such an early stage in my career.”
Wellman said he has no immediate plans.