David Lanigan joins Four Star Sales as its bloodstock adviser

Former trainer David Lanigan has joined Four Star Sales, one of the leading consignors in North America since its inception in 2002, as its bloodstock adviser.

Lanigan will help the company's clients in all areas but with an emphasis on the private purchase of horses in training and racing management.

Lanigan closed his Newmarket training operation this spring to prepare for his family's planned return to Lexington. Lanigan was assistant trainer to Sir Henry Cecil for more than five years before embarking on his own notable 13-year training career in 2007.

He ended with 200-plus winners including the Derby second Main Sequence, Park Hill Stakes winner Meeznah, Dahlia Stakes scorer Worth Waiting, and Royal Ascot winner Interception.

"We're very excited to have David join our team at Four Star," said managing partner Kerry Cauthen.

"David has a great understanding of all the different aspects of the thoroughbred business. He learned the sales and breeding side from his parents at Tullamaine Castle Stud in Ireland, and during his 13-year training career he regularly sold horses both privately and at public sales.

"David has also returned to America for the September Sale every year since he began training. He recommended the purchase of several top stakes winners from that sale. He knows well what it takes to select and train top quality horses on both sides of the Atlantic."

Cauthen worked alongside Lanigan at John TL Jones jnr's Walmac International 20 years ago, before Lanigan went to Britain.

Lanigan said: "As I begin with Four Star I will be focusing on the bloodstock side and I have been sourcing private sales of racehorses from England that we believe can move up in class in the US.

"Also, given the concerns over travel during the pandemic, I have had inquiries from European and other overseas owners to advise on purchases at the upcoming yearling and breeding stock sales. I expect that I may have a few more of those as the sales draw closer.

"While I was training in England I attended the September Sale every year to buy yearlings for several overseas clients and to inspect the stock of my clients with breeding operations in Kentucky, such as Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Runnymede Farm and the Niarchos family.

"We sourced Main Sequence and Meeznah, among others, from those trips. Both were stakes winners in England and Main Sequence returned to the States and was a tremendous performer here."

Meeznah: was a stable star for David Lanigan early in his careerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Lanigan continued: "Amy and I always knew we would return to Lexington one day and started considering it seriously last summer.

"Though I genuinely loved my time with Henry, and training on my
own in Newmarket and Lambourn, I am extremely excited to return to the States.

"I couldn't hope to work for a better company or have a better team to work with than Kerry, Tony, Ashley and Elizabeth. They've a wonderful clientele and I believe I can add to the service they offer and hopefully bring some new connections to Four Star."

Cauthen added: "David's honest manner, skill and tenacity will definitely make him a great fit in the US bloodstock market and also a great fit for Four Star."

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