Conor Foley
Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky Conor was drawn to the thoroughbred business since a young age. His experience in the industry began during his teenage years when he gained hands on experience working with horses while also analyzing data at Equibase. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Conor accepted a position as the Stakes Coordinator for the Breeders’ Cup. This job allowed him to experience the entire scope of the North American thoroughbred industry. By managing the Stakes program for the Breeders’ Cup for several years, Conor had an intimate view of the best horses and horseman in America. After four years at the Breeders’ Cup, Conor was awarded a place in the Darley Flying Start program. This is a full time, two-year international management training program for potential thoroughbred industry leaders. Management training is provided by established universities including the University College Dublin and the University of Sydney. During this program, trainees live and learn in Ireland, the UK, the USA, Dubai and Australia. Each trainee receives a full scholarship from HH Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai. Graduates of the program are employed in the UK, the USA, Dubai, France, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, India, Japan, Ireland, New Zealand, Brazil, China and South Africa. Alumni from the Darley Flying Start form a global network of professional relationships in both established and emerging racing nations. After completing the Darley Flying Start program, Conor accepted a job with Darley’s American operation. During five years with Darley America, Conor was responsible for analyzing and predicting the success of individual racehorses and sires as well as the overall commercial thoroughbred market. In addition to his degrees from college and the Flying Start program, Conor has also earned a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.)
