Nathan McCauley, a well-known name in the horse racing industry, is making waves at the Keeneland January Breeding Stock Sale. With a new venture called Foundation Bloodstock, McCauley is building a fresh identity after successfully running River Oak Farm for six years. Here’s a closer look at his journey and plans for the future.
A New Chapter for McCauley
Nathan McCauley, based in Nicholasville, Kentucky, has already purchased 14 horses worth $647,500 in the first two days of the sale. These buys mark the beginning of his rebranded venture, Foundation Bloodstock. McCauley’s business focuses on acquiring maiden mares, breeding them with commercially appealing stallions, and re-selling them at mixed sales to turn a profit.
His decision to move forward with Foundation Bloodstock comes after wrapping up a successful partnership with Lindsay LaRoche at River Oak Farm. While their collaboration is winding down, McCauley emphasizes that they remain close friends and even share partnerships on a few horses.
Proven Success in Breeding
McCauley’s approach has yielded impressive results. Under the River Oak Farm banner, he sold the dam of Grade 1 winner Mo Forza and the Grade 1 winner Arabian Knight in-utero. His knack for spotting opportunities in breeding has allowed him to transition out of his previous career in car sales to focus full-time on his passion for the horse business.
Partnerships and Support
Foundation Bloodstock is backed by a strong team, including Dr. Dave Williams of Forever Spring Farm and notable industry players from Paramount Sales and Taylor Made Sales Agency. While McCauley doesn’t plan to represent his mares in digital sales under his own consignment branch, he will rely on reputable sellers like Paramount and Taylor Made to present his horses at auction.
Selecting the Right Stallions
One of McCauley’s key strategies is choosing stallions that align with his mares’ profiles and market trends. He balances ambition with economic strategy, aiming to breed with stallions like Munnings, who has been instrumental in his career. Munnings is the sire of Venetian Harbor, Free Rose, and Swill—all success stories tied to McCauley’s breeding program.
Though McCauley acknowledges the challenges of securing top stallions like Not This Time, he continues to focus on strategic pairings that maximize the commercial appeal of his mares for the following year’s sales.
Looking Ahead
With Foundation Bloodstock, Nathan McCauley is combining experience, passion, and strategy to reshape his role in the horse breeding world. By building on past successes and cultivating strong partnerships, he’s poised to leave an even bigger mark on the industry. His calculated approach to acquiring and breeding mares reflects his commitment to excellence and adaptability in a competitive market.
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