J & M Bloodstock, LLC

J & M Bloodstock, LLC Involved in the training, racing and breeding of thoroughbred race horses. Marcus and I have been involved with horses from childhood. But, his is inspiring.

My family’s involvement with horses has been lucky, exciting, and somewhat better known than Marcus’ story. In Donegal, Ireland, where Marcus was born, he learned to ride a horse before he learned to ride a bike. And, he was hooked! From a young age, his time was spent breaking ponies for his father to re-sell. They would buy a bad-mannered or difficult horse that nobody could manage, “make them n

ice” as Marcus says, and sell them for somebody new to enjoy. Over the years, this experience with horses only enhanced his natural affinity and fostered his horsemanship. In Ireland, he worked for small farms as well as large operations like Juddmonte – always riding; always learning. Determined to make his way to America to watch a Kentucky Derby, Marcus flew from Shannon, Ireland to New York City. New York City was a spectacle for a kid from rural Ireland. With $250.00 in his pocket (most of which the cab ride devoured), he went straight to Belmont Park. During his time in New York, he was able to ride for some of the greatest trainers our sport has known. But, even better than that, he rode some of the greatest horses. He threw a leg over Saint Liam, Ghostzapper, Kip Deville, Funny Cide, Benny the Bull, Victory Ride, Spook Express, Offlee Wild and hundreds of others who he, remarkably, remembers with detailed clarity. He has intimate stories about many of them – some entertaining; some surprising. He has had the opportunity to travel and to go to many tracks in the eastern United States. But eventually, he journeyed to Kentucky and the Derby. He watched Monarchos win the Derby at Churchill Downs, something his small town friends thought was pure fantasy. He fulfilled one of his that day. Now, he trains horses himself and he still throws a leg over them. Adding a trainer’s license in 2014 to his credentials, he is about to begin another journey . . . .maybe it leads to a Derby (I personally hope for a trip to the Dubai Cup, the Arlington Million or the Oaks) but surely it will lead to some exciting times doing something that he loves.

Only horse my grandpa named after himself in over 50 years of racing and breeding thoroughbreds . . .
01/11/2026

Only horse my grandpa named after himself in over 50 years of racing and breeding thoroughbreds . . .

07/27/2025
11/08/2024

Slainte enjoys a little splash in the lake.

Slainte and Pancho (Pogoeriach) are living their best lives on the dunes of Lake Michigan.
11/08/2024

Slainte and Pancho (Pogoeriach) are living their best lives on the dunes of Lake Michigan.

05/26/2024

Wow!

05/07/2024

Kentucky's equine industry generates about $6.5 billion in economic impact, with more than 60,500 jobs for Kentuckians across our commonwealth. As we celebrate Derby, let's recognize the vital role these folks have in our state's success.

He was a wonderfully entertaining storyteller, a passionate lover of our sport, and a friend who will be sorely missed.
02/02/2024

He was a wonderfully entertaining storyteller, a passionate lover of our sport, and a friend who will be sorely missed.

Celebrate the life of Louis Smith, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens.

Congrats to all the connections, especially James McIngvale, owner and Gavin Ashton who was a confident pilot. We alway...
01/25/2024

Congrats to all the connections, especially James McIngvale, owner and Gavin Ashton who was a confident pilot. We always knew she had it in her.

Flash’s super awesome brother. Glad to hear he is finding a soft spot to land.
12/06/2023

Flash’s super awesome brother. Glad to hear he is finding a soft spot to land.

Graded stakes winning-Thoroughbred Night Ops has retired from the racetrack at the age of seven and will begin a new career.

Lazy Sunday afternoon for baby Flash . . .
11/06/2023

Lazy Sunday afternoon for baby Flash . . .

Takeitandrun enjoying a dainty bite of hay . . .
11/06/2023

Takeitandrun enjoying a dainty bite of hay . . .

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3380 Paris Pike
Lexington, KY
40511

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