Keeneland has appointed lifelong rider and former coach William “Buff” Bradley to the position of sales development manager. Bradley, who began his role on February 28, will focus on the sale of stallions and race-age horses.
“We are delighted that Buff is joining the Keeneland sales team to further enhance our access to riders and their involvement in our sales,” said Tony Lacy, Keeneland’s vice president of sales said. “Buff has extensive experience as a breeder, owner and trainer and has earned the respect of many in the industry, both professionally and personally.”
Bradley, from Frankfort, Ky., estimates people who earned more than $19.2 million from 1993-2021. His most accomplished runners are two fan favorites: two-time champion and Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) winner Groupie doll who made $2.6 million and 1st place winner Brass cap , who earned $2.1 million. Bradley also coaches 1st grade winners and millionaires Divisidero and class 2 winner Player . The Brass Hat is a pure race for Bradley’s late father, Fred. He and his father bred the Groupie Doll and co-owned her with Carl Hurst; The Bradleys and Hurst bred The Player, who raced for Buff Bradley and Hurst.
At Keeneland, Brass Hat won the 2010 Sycamore Stakes (G3T), the Groupie Doll won the 2012 Vinery Madison Stakes (G1) and the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2), and the Player won the 2017 Hagyard Fayette Stakes (G2) . Following their win at Breeders’ Cup 2013, Groupie Dolls were sold to Whisper Hill Farms for $3.1 million at Keeneland’s November Seed Sale.
Bradley said: “I am so grateful for the opportunity to join Keeneland and be part of a place that has always been special to my family and me. “I was nine years old in 1972 when I went to the races for the first time with my parents and witnessed my dad’s You’re Worth win. In the mid-1990s at the September Yearling Sales in Keeneland, dad i bought two fillings that became dams from Brass Hat and Groupie Doll As a trainer I take great pride every time I win a bet here with our family horses .”
Bradley, who lives in Louisville, has three children, daughters Kory (26 years old) and Jett (19 years old) and son Drew (23 years old). The 21-year-old Brass Hat man lives on his Indian Ridge ranch in Frankfort.
Bradley looks forward to working alongside the entire Keeneland sales team, including Lacy, sales operations manager Cormac Breathnach, racing and sales manager Ashley Whalen, sales development manager Mark Maronde, Assistant director of sales analysis Chip McGaughey, assistant director of sales operations Dean Roethemeier and assistant director of sales development Kyle Wilson.
