Bret Jones
President
A 2004 graduate of The University of the South (Sewanee) and an alumnus of the Irish National Stud Breeding Course, Bret has been an official member of the Airdrie Stud team since 2006. He works daily with Airdrie's unrivaled managerial team and staff to help ensure that Airdrie's legacy will always be that of a farm that does right by it's people, horses and clients; a reputation earned by Brereton and Libby Jones over the last 50 years. A Breeders' Cup Board Director since 2011, a commissioner on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission from 2016-2020, and a founding steering committee member of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association’s 2020 Campaign - a group developed to educate and give a voice to the industry's under 40 generation, Bret's greatest pride will always be his wife, Tyler, and their four children: B, Jack, Thomas and Wende.
Ben Henley
General Manager
Ben joined Airdrie in 2008. A graduate of the Irish National Stud Breeding Course, he brings more than 18 years of international experience in the Thoroughbred industry. Ben has worked at some of the leading farms in Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland and the United States. He manages the day-to-day operations of Airdrie's six farm divisions, and is responsible for overseeing the highest standards of horsemanship from our stallion operation to the preparation of yearlings to daily mare and foal care, ensuring the maintenance of a quality operation.
Mark Cunningham
Farm Manager
Mark came to Airdrie in 1980 from Australia with a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, and after having attended the Irish National Stud. Supervising all aspects of broodmare care and daily vet rounds, he works closely with Dr. Ben Stivers of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute to ensure optimal herd health.
Kristine Cullen
Office Manager
Kristine was Airdrie's Stallion Administrator for twelve years prior to transitioning into the position of Office Manager. She is responsible for personnel issues and all facets of human resources, insurance, farm billing, and stallion distributions. With a variety of experiences in the Thoroughbred industry over the past several decades, Kristine is well-prepared to handle the scope of her current position.
Laura Sullivan
Stallion Administrator
Laura moved to the Bluegrass in 1996 from Virginia. She has worked with the broodmare departments at Trackside Farm and Shadwell Farm and was the receptionist at Adena Springs before arriving at Airdrie Stud in 2008 as our Equine Administrator. Laura has moved into the demanding and crucial position of Stallion Administrator and is now handling stallion contracts and record keeping, all mare bookings, and assisting with the management of our stallion syndicates.
Jordan Dorough
Equine Administrator
Jordan is a Lexington, Kentucky native and a lifelong horse racing fan. She gained her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky, with a focus on Industrial Organizational Psychology. Post-graduation, she advanced her experience through positions in thoroughbred breeding, sales, and racing. She began at Three Chimney’s Farm as Executive Assistant before taking a position as the Director of Sales for Baccari Bloodstock. In 2019, Jordan accepted a position with Horseco, where she honed her skills as the Sales Coordinator for multiple online auction houses, including Magic Millions Online and El Turf Online, while managing client portfolios of Bloodstock. Jordan joined the Airdrie team in January 2024.
Shannon Castagnola
Stallion Season and Public Sales Director
You'll see Shannon as a significant presence on the sales grounds and at each Airdrie Stud consignment helping facilitate the best inspection process as possible for potential buyers. Additionally, you'll see her looking at every yearling or weanling by our stallions entered in a sale. Shannon also works directly with Airdrie Stud clients to discuss breeding plans for their mares and assists them with stallion contracts. You can book a stallion inspection at the farm with her. She really enjoys going out to visit with breeders at their farm to view and give feedback about produce by our stallions. Shannon has a strong background in sales and market trends, joining the Airdrie team in August of 2023. She previously worked for Woodford Thoroughbreds where she managed their yearling and breeding stock consignments, and was a point person at their two-year-old in training consignments. Monthly foal and yearling inspections helped develop an eye for young horses. On the broodmare side Shannon was part of the mare purchasing team, as well advised on mating plans. Additionally, she was responsible for all marketing content, print and social. Previously Shannon worked for West Point Thoroughbreds and Taylor Made Farm and Sales. Shannon grew up in Lexington, KY, and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science.
Kyle Johnson
Bloodstock Services
Originally from New Hampshire, Kyle grew up working with various rescue horses and at riding centers. He moved to Kentucky in 2010 to attend the University of Kentucky. A variety of internships exposed him to yearling prep, mare & foal care, stallion handling, and racehorse rehabilitation. Following college Kyle worked at farms like Claiborne, Newgate Stud in Australia, Brookdale, and Shadwell before joining the team at Airdrie in 2022.
Charlie King
Bloodstock Services
Charlie grew up around thoroughbreds on his family’s stud Brighthill Farm in Cambridge, New Zealand. After graduating from Victoria University of Wellington with a Finance and Economics degree, Charlie was awarded a spot on the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start. During his time on the Flying Start, Charlie learnt from the best in the thoroughbred industry across Ireland, England, USA, Australia, and Dubai. Charlie joined the Airdrie team in August 2023.
Caroline Bouren
Controller
Caroline received her BS in Accounting (2014) and MS in Accounting (2016) from the University of Kentucky. She then worked as an auditor in Nashville, earning her CPA license. Kentucky called her back home and she has been at Airdrie Stud since September 2019. As the Controller for Airdrie Stud, Caroline is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and all accounting functions.
Lisa McKee
Bookkeeper
Lisa worked at Parx Racing in several capacities. On the frontside she was in Mutuels and Accounting, spending the last twelve of her years there as Head Horsemen’s Bookkeeper. On the backside she was an exercise rider and pony person for 40 plus years. Lisa moved to Kentucky from Pennsylvania in the fall of 2015 with her husband, who works for Brook Ledge Inc., and their two dogs and a cat. Lisa brought her own Equine Bookkeeping service with her when she moved to the Bluegrass State. In her spare time, she loves rehabbing old houses and doing other DIY projects. Lisa brings a lot of experience to our accounting department, and we are happy she has decided to join the team!
Benji Reynolds
Broodmare Manager for Airdrie main farm and Woodburn divisions
Benji started working at Airdrie Stud as a groom more than 20 years ago while taking courses in equine management and nutrition. He graduated with a farrier's license from the Kentucky Horseshoeing School in 1998. He was offered a manager's position at the farm shortly thereafter. Benji has learned from some of the best in the business at Airdrie; and especially credits Mr. Jones, Tim Thornton, and Mark Cunningham for helping him attain the success he enjoys today.
Cesar Rosales
Stallion Foreman
Our “behind the scenes” crew at Airdrie includes all those responsible for farm maintenance and presentation. Led by Maintenance Supervisors Jimmie Schell and Bruce Manley, they are all dedicated to the care of Airdrie’s historic property.
