Kenny Troutt, who started WinStar Farm near Versailles, Ky., with Bill Casner, is now the sole owner of the farm and Casner the farm’s largest client.
”My partnership with Bill has been great,” Troutt said. “Although we won’t be direct partners on the farm, there will be many opportunities to partner going forward. Bill and (his wife) Susan are amongst my closest friends, and I am proud of what we accomplished together. The industry should take comfort in knowing that WinStar is my main focus after my faith and family. As my children have grown over the last 10 years, I can see the possibilities with them for the future. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Casner and Troutt, friends going on four decades, formed WinStar after purchasing Prestonwood Farm from brothers Art, Jack, and J.R. Preston in 2000. A prominent racing and breeding outfit, WinStar stands major sires Distorted Humor , Speightstown , and Tiznow and successful up and comer Bluegrass Cat .
WinStar is enjoying an exceptional year. The farm won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) with homebred Super Saver and captured the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) with Drosselmeyer, who is by Distorted Humor.
"The dissolution of my partnership with Kenny is a business strategy that is mutually beneficial at this point in our lives,” Casner said. “The relationship that Kenny and I have remains unchanged, and we are still the closest of friends.
"Susan and I will continue to keep our mares at WinStar, employ the training division for our young horses, and participate in future partnerships with Kenny. The evolution of WinStar over the last 10 years and the relationship that we have had with the entire WinStar team has been one of the most gratifying experiences that Susan and I have ever experienced. We will continue to be heavily involved in racing, breeding, and all efforts to move our industry forward.”