Our Team

“We have assembled a talented staff which has been integral to our success.”

We are extremely proud of the talented horsemen and women who make up our team. Horses require 24-7 care and attention and any job within the horse racing industry is very laborious. There are few people who can dedicate themselves to the constant rigors of the daily training schedule. Every team member is vital to the success of our operation and because of our dedicated and devoted staff, we have established the position as one of the leading pinhooking and training operations.

Our employees come from all over the world bringing forth various backgrounds in the industry. This season our team is represented by five different countries!

Key Leaders Within the Program

Niall Brennan

Niall Brennan,

A successful jockey who won his first race at the age of 16 in his homeland of Ireland. Niall discovered his natural talent as a trainer early on and took off to broaden his knowledge of the thoroughbred industry traveling and working at facilities all over the world ranging from New Zealand, Australia, California, and Kentucky. In 1987 he relocated to Florida to train for George Steinbrenner at his Kinsman farm and in 1991 presented his first consignment at Select Two-Year-Old sales. Since then, Niall has consistently ranked as a leading consignor in North America. He is an active member of the community and the president of the Ocala Farm Ministry.

Alvaro Romo

Alvaro Romo, Farm Manager

As an integral part of our operations for over 20 years now, Alvaro has earned everyone’s respect with his dedication and commitment. He is a hands-on horseman, that has a true eye and passion for the racing industry.

Stephanie Brennan

Stephanie Brennan, Director of Sales and Marketing

Originally from Western Canada, and actively involved in the racing industry for over 30 years, Stephanie’s background comes from both show and racehorses. She has a degree in Sales and Marketing which helps keep the operation running smoothly. She is on the board of the Ocala Farm Ministry, The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and developed the Final Furlong Organization.

Christine Strand

Christine Strand, Office Manager

You can often find Chris out exploring the trails on one of her horses, or spending time alongside her husband and one-eyed bloodhound Jasper. She has the spirit of a thoroughbred, taking on any challenge that comes to her. Her uplifting can do attitude and love for animals keep the NBS at home office running smoothly. She is comfortable at a desk or the end of a lead, which makes her a perfect fit for our Office Manager position.

Sarah Doran

Sarah Doran, Director of Equine Operations

Sarah grew up in Southern Ohio showing Hunter Jumpers and Arabian Sport Horses. She holds an Associates of Science Degree in Equine Studies and Business Management. Prior to working here, Sarah worked at The Sanctuary Rehabilitation and Conditioning Center, as well as the Ocala Jockey Club. She holds a certification for use of the  Cold Laser and PEMF therapy equipment.

Jose Luis Romo

Jose Luis Romo, Assistant Farm Manager

“Like Father Like Son” Chepo has always had a love for horses and given the opportunity to grow up here on the farm has only intensified those feelings. He has worked his way up to being Niall and Alvaro’s go to guy, assisting and ensuring the day to day operations run smoothly.

Julianne Stowell

Julianne Stowell, Client Relations

This animal loving beach girl comes to us from the TRF Second Chances Program at Lowell C.I. Jules is truly living out her second chance here at NBS and her lifelong dream of working with animals. She has a love and passion not only for serving animals but people, so our client relations position is a win- win for both her and NBS.

Barn Foremen

Behind every operation are the unsung heroes. In our operation these are the barn foremen. They work long hours and are responsible for every minute detail pertaining to the horses. They can tell the horses eating and sleeping habits, as well as their likes and dislikes. It is this attention to detail they provide that helps to keep the horses healthy and happy.

The Ponies

They also play a very important role at the farm by being partnered with the horses to keep them calm or if they just need a boost of confidence. Rugby, pictured below, has been the long time travel pony that accompanies the horses to the sales around the country.

 

Furry Friends

We can’t forget our other furry friends who are always watching the horses train and roaming the facility alongside Niall.