WinStar Farm President Joins Midway University Board of Trustees

Gerry Duffy, international equine industry leader, brings decades of operational and governance experience to the board

by Marci Sullivan

Midway, KY (09/03/2026) — Midway University today announced that Gerry Duffy, President of WinStar Farm, has joined the university's Board of Trustees.

A native of Co. Kildare, Ireland, Duffy grew up showjumping ponies on his family's farm before entering the thoroughbred industry at Dr. Tony Ryan's Lyons Demesne Stud. He holds degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College Dublin and, in 2007, completed the Godolphin Flying Start program, an experience he has called career-defining.

"Gerry brings a rare combination of global perspective and deep Kentucky roots to our board," said Donna Campbell '62, Chair of the Midway University Board of Trustees. "His experience building and leading organizations across the equine industry, paired with his passion for education, will be a tremendous asset as Midway continues to grow. We are honored to welcome him."

Duffy's career in Kentucky began in Darley's Nominations department, where he also earned an MBA from the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics. He went on to lead WinStar's nominations department from 2011 to 2013 before returning to Godolphin as General Manager of its Irish operation. In 2018, he relocated to Kentucky as farm manager of Stonerside and Raceland Farms, taking on broader responsibilities as Operations Manager in 2023.

In 2024, Modon Holding recruited Duffy to Abu Dhabi to develop Equestrian Lifestyle Communities, where he supported Modon's investment in Wellington Lifestyle Partners in Palm Beach, Florida. He has since returned to WinStar Farm as President, supporting the Troutt family and, in particular, Preston Troutt, who has taken on an expanded role in the family's farm operations.

"Midway University has spent decades preparing students for careers in the equine industry, and I hope to help strengthen the collaboration between the school and the region's equine community," Duffy said. "I have always been so thankful of the opportunity to receive an education and have benefited first hand from the benevolence of the Godolphin Flying Start, a full scholarship program. I'm honored to serve an institution committed to making a high-quality college education attainable for all students."

Duffy has served on numerous industry and civic boards, including the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Weatherbys, The Secretariat Center, The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi, and the Catholic Education Opportunities Foundation. He was recently named a member of the Breeders' Cup.

Midway University welcomes Duffy's appointment as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen board leadership with individuals who bring diverse professional expertise and a deep connection to the Central Kentucky community.

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