From Martin Stables
Longtime Ocala, Fla.-based trainers Caroline and Rob Webster recently closed on the purchase of 55 acres of Eddie Martin's Martin Stables South that includes a 5/8-mile dirt track and half-mile turf course.
The Websters break, train, and rehabilitate horses for prominent New York trainer Barclay Tagg, as well as several longtime owners on the East Coast and in Florida.
Martin purchased Marablue Farm in 2005 to expand the stallion and breeding operations at Martin Stables, but had no long-term plans to operate a training division. The Websters leased the training operation from Martin soon after he purchased Marablue, and the couple decided to buy it when Martin expressed interest in downsizing his property.
Martin Stables South will retain the approximately 285 acres it currently utilizes at the former Marablue site near Reddick, Fla.
“Martin Stables South has invested heavily in the Florida Thoroughbred breeding industry through the acquisition of our five stallions, and our 64-member broodmare band,” Martin said. “We intend to be a significant participant in the Florida stallion and breeding business for a very long time. One hundred percent of Martin Stables Thoroughbred holdings will be based at our Reddick, Fla. operation.
"Our interest in racing Quarter Horses will be developed in Louisiana and Indiana, and this sale gives us capital to facilitate this development.”