The famed Pin Oak Stud, a cornerstone of Kentucky's Thoroughbred heritage, is embarking on a fresh chapter under the new ownership of Jim and Dana Bernhard. Committed to preserving the farm's storied legacy, the Bernhards are poised to build upon the farm's rich history while forging a path to future success in the heart of the Bluegrass.
Jim is the founder and partner of Bernhard Capital Partners. Dana, a lifelong horse enthusiast, has held roles as a corporate attorney and marketing director. Neither had prior experience in the Thoroughbred industry until recently.
“Three years ago, when we got into horse racing—thanks to a birthday present from Jim—it grew quickly as a lot of our businesses have over the years,” Dana said. “And we started looking at farms a year or so later. Luckily, we found Pin Oak when it was available. It's a special place.”
The Bernhards are embarking on a restoration of the historic Kentucky Farm. With a deep respect for the property's legacy, the Bernhards carefully consider every change. Their philosophy, as Jim explains, is rooted in preservation and enhancement.
“You don't want to leave it worse than you found it,” Jim said. “You need to take your time when you start to re-do something, or change a building, or change a plan. One thing you'll notice about Pin Oak, which is different than a lot of other farms, is that there's a lot of wildlife, deer, and turkey. So, a lot of the natural woods have been left between paddocks rather than leveling everything out. It gives a different nature view, a quiet view. I think it makes a difference in the ambiance of Pin Oak. The solitude (makes for) a good place to raise a horse.”
“I think it makes a difference in the ambiance of Pin Oak. The solitude (makes for) a good place to raise a horse.”
- Jim Bernhard
A History Of Success
Under the stewardship of the late Josephine Abercrombie, who passed away in 2022 just shy of her 96th birthday, Pin Oak Stud has established a legacy of excellence in the Thoroughbred industry. As a testament to the operation's prowess, Pin Oak has bred or raced nearly 100 stakes winners. The memorable triumphs extend globally with Classic winners in America and England and include Grade/Group 1 stakes winners in three countries. Numbered among Pin Oak's homebred stars are female champions Laugh and Be Merry and Confessional and top colts like Peaks and Valleys, Broken Vow, and Alternation who also went on to be influential stallions.
Pin Oak Stud achieved high honors in 1995, being recognized as the National Breeder of the Year. Abercrombie's exceptional contributions were also acknowledged by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association with the Hardboot Award and the prestigious William T. Young Humanitarian Award.
An integral part of Pin Oak's success over the decades has been Clifford Barry, the farm's longtime general manager. A native of Ireland, Barry moved to the United States in the late 1980s. Pin Oak has been home to him ever since. Barry has stayed on at Pin Oak as an advisor.
“When I arrived in the spring of '88, Pin Oak was my horse landing spot,” Barry said. “That was 35, 36 years ago. I've been here ever since. I've been part of the furniture for that length of time. When I first arrived here, this farm was just raw land. The roads weren't cut, the fences weren't in. Some of the foundations of the buildings were just getting started.
“Joe Osborne was the manager at the time. I was a big part of the operation, but Joe was the fundamental driving force with Mrs. Abercrombie. Let me tell you, this (farm) has got her fingerprint and footprint all over it. She was an avid equestrian from early days. Mrs. Abercrombie knew exactly what she wanted. You can drive through the gates today, and it's all her vision from back then. You can see it was built by a horseperson for horses with a great passion for the land, the people, the wildlife, and everything about living on a farm. She embraced life on a farm like no other. She loved every day she was here, and she was very, very involved in the operation on a daily basis.”
A New Era Under the Bernhards
The Bernards purchased Pin Oak Stud in 2022. The couple is already implementing changes to the farm, including expanding the racing stable and introducing a modern approach to the industry. In 2021, they began acquiring horses. Their first purchase was the ill-fated Geaux Rocket Ride, who they bought for $350,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select Yearling Sale. The Kentucky-bred son of Candy Ride (ARG) also became their first Grade 1 winner. Winner of the 2023 Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park where he defeated Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage, Geaux Rocket Ride finished second in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar en route to banking $980,200 while winning three of five lifetime starts for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella. Geaux Rocket Ride was preparing for the 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) when he suffered a condylar fracture and was subsequently euthanized after not responding to surgery.
From carefully managing the pastures and landscaping to a top-quality training program, every detail at Pin Oak is considered. The goal is to create a serene and healthy environment for both horses and staff. Pin Oak spans more than 1,200 acres just outside of Lexington. The acreage covers the original Pin Oak property, as well as 465 acres that the Bernhards acquired from the former Adena Springs Farm. They also have Pin Oak South on 100 acres in Louisiana.
“We're very particular about the horses' health... I think you will see a horses' health and safety continue to be at the forefront of what we do here.”
- Jim Bernhard
Behind every successful horse farm is a dedicated team of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the horses and the smooth operation of the facility. In addition to Barry who is an advisor, Jim and Dana's son, Ben Bernhard, is vice president of Pin Oak. Joss Saville is the farm's trainer, and Miguel Villasenor is the broodmare manager.
Pin Oak Stud prioritizes the overall well-being of its horses. Horses at Pin Oak are equipped with sensors to monitor their gait whenever they breeze. The technology is to offer more information on a horse that is not readily available to the naked eye.
“We're very particular about the horses' health,” said Jim. “We've invested heavily in our sensor technology, and I think in the long run, it will pay off. Trainers help enormously. But the technology today that is available to help trainers make decisions, from AI, etc., is there. You don't see trainers without a cell phone anymore. Twenty years ago, it wasn't a cell phone. They used data and everything else. I think you will see a horse's health and safety continue to be at the forefront of what we do here. I think it's going to be throughout the industry. What is (considered) horse racing, is just not our horse racing.
Dana added, “Every one of our horses has a sensor when it breezes, whether it is here at the farm or with our trainers.”
New Owners, Same Passion
A new chapter is unfolding at Pin Oak, but one constant remains: a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the horses. Despite a transition in ownership, Barry expresses confidence in the future of Pin Oak under the Bernhards.
“Obviously, (when) you spend two-thirds of your life with somebody you nearly think like they thought back then,” Barry shared. “And even in the latter stages of Mrs. Abercrombie's life, (new ownership) would've been always her concern. What was going to happen here? And she entrusted some key members of her staff at that time to put the best vision forward. But definitely keeping the farm intact, keeping the land intact was a big, big priority for her. As we all know, these farms change hands, and you never know what's going to happen.
“I don't know if rewarding is even the appropriate word,” Barry continued. “If she was looking down today, and I know she is, she'd be very, very proud of what's happened with this piece of property in the last 18 months. It's been amazing that the Bernhard family has come in here and embraced the piece of property and continued to grow it and make it look better…Rewarding is not a strong enough word, to be honest. It's been truly amazing to watch.”
The Bernhards' vision, which echoes that of the original owner, is taking shape. By investing in quality bloodstock and prioritizing responsible land management, the Bernhards are creating a farm that not only celebrates the beauty and athleticism of the horses, but also honors the environment that has nurtured them for generations.
“I can't speak for Jim and Dana personally, but it sure looks like it's a very similar road that I think Mrs. Abercrombie would've taken over the course of her time here…The credit goes out to them as a family. They've come in here and started a fresh farm. Yes, the infrastructure was here, but to staff this thing with quality people around you in a short span of time has just been remarkable to me. That's probably the biggest thing. It would have been my biggest worry when they bought the piece of property. How are they going to put it all together? But they have left no stone unturned to bring that vision, that quality of staffing here, and to do the right thing by the horses and to make themselves successful.
“They have a great passion and compassion for the animal,” Barry added. “Dana has a long history (of being) an equestrian herself. It doesn't matter what breed it is a horse is a horse. They still reach out to your heartstrings. I think that's very important to the Bernhard family, it seems like to me. It's about what's right by the horse first.”
Kentucky: Horse Heaven at Pin Oak
Pin Oak Stud is more than just a world-class breeding facility. It represents a way of life for those fortunate enough to call it home. The farm exudes a serene beauty that is captivating for both humans and equines. For the Bernhards, it's a place where the love of horses intertwines seamlessly with the tranquility of the countryside, creating an idyllic environment.
“This place is horse heaven. It's incredible,” said Dana. “I've had horses since I was eight years old, I've never been without them. I've never been in a place like this. It's such a special environment. It is such a blessing to be here. We ride the horses all over the place. We walk all over the place, and we drive all over the place every day. It's just incredible to us. Our favorite time of the day is the evening. After everyone is at their homes and it's all quiet here, we always go to the barns and give the horses treats, greet them.”
For the Bernhards, the thrill of seeing their horses compete is paramount. The focus on hands-on involvement in every aspect of their horses' lives shapes their approach to horse ownership. The Bernhards plan to maintain a manageable size to their operation to allow for close oversight of each horse's progress and well-being. “We don't want to have horses that we don't have time to see race,” Jim said. “We're not going to do that. Whatever that limit is, 20 in training or 100 in training, it doesn't matter if we're not able to go see them on a regular basis.”
Kentucky has long been regarded as the heart of the Thoroughbred industry. The landscape of horse racing is constantly revolving, however, with challenges emerging in key markets around the country. The West Coast racetracks, once major players on the scene, have faced increasing uncertainty due to declining purses and track closures. This instability has forced owners and breeders to reassess their strategies, with a growing number turning their focus to more established racing centers like Kentucky. Count the Bernhards among that group.
“Most of our racing will be on the East Coast—Kentucky, Louisiana, New York,” Jim said. “The West Coast has become problematic, not only on purses and uncertainty, (but also) which tracks are closing. It's hard to have a long-term vision with an uncertain 12-month future. Kentucky has done well in purses, but it does a lot of other things. (With) all the infrastructure to take care of horses and the great vets they have and people and information that's available right down the street, there's no comparison. There's just not. Others may think there is, but there is not. We've come to learn that.”
It's clear to Barry that Kentucky's reputation as a breeding ground for the world's finest Thoroughbreds is deeply rooted in its unique natural attributes, support industries, and rich heritage. Beyond the natural advantages, Kentucky has cultivated a robust infrastructure to support the state's equine industry.
“Everyone says it's the soil, it's the limestone, it's the grass. All those things are well documented,” Barry shared. “But I think the infrastructure within a 30 to 45-mile radius here is second to none in the world. Even growing up in Ireland as a young teenager, Kentucky always had some kind of draw to you. It's where the heart of this industry lies. The best horse people are here. The best of care is here. The best of everything. I think the climate, the grassland, all those things are major factors.”
Investing in the Future
Building a sustainable and successful Thoroughbred operation requires a long-term vision. The Bernhards' strategic approach involves careful planning, significant investment, and a deep commitment to the industry. The couple is establishing the foundation for a self-sustaining operation at Pin Oak Stud that can generate substantial returns over time.
“We want to raise and hopefully develop our own stallion,” Jim said. “We have 35 broodmares and will double that over the next couple (of) years. It's a long-term plan. We'll see how it works in five or 10 years. Five or 10 minutes, I don't know. Five or 10 years, I think we will be successful.”
The Bernhards are doing more than just injecting fresh energy and investment into the sport. With their forward-thinking approach, coupled with a genuine love for horses, the Bernhards are fueling growth in the industry and ensuring a bright future for Pin Oak Stud in the Bluegrass of Kentucky.
“You have to be all-in (in the Thoroughbred business),” noted Barry. “There are no half measures in this business. You've got to be all-in to be successful.”
By all signs, the Bernhards are fully committed to the success of Pin Oak. They are not just invested financially. They are invested in the well-being of the horses, the staff, and the farm's future.
“We try to look at the horizon rather than the waves,” said Jim. “Waves will make you sick. The horizon looks nice. We're happy where we are. We are having lots of fun. Everybody asks, 'Are you making money?' I say, 'Yeah, if you put the fun part in there, we are making a lot.' It's enjoyable. We're having a great time.” For the Bernhards, the process of achieving their goals is just as fulfilling as the outcome. Under their stewardship, historic Pin Oak Farm appears to be in excellent hands for generations to come.
