Four Star Sales Welcomes Hamilton to its Team

Four Star Sales has announced that Grace Hamilton has joined the company as bloodstock and sales coordinator. Hamilton joins Four Star following graduation from the internationally respected Godolphin Flying Start program, bringing experience in the breeding, sales, and racing sectors of the Thoroughbred industry gained in the United States, Ireland, and Australia. Originally from Bluffton, S.C., Hamilton grew up riding horses before discovering the Thoroughbred industry while following American Pharoah's historic Triple Crown campaign. Realizing at just 16 years old that she genuinely wanted to build a career in the business, she relocated to Kentucky to earn a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science and Management from the University of Kentucky. Following graduation, Hamilton continued her education in Ireland, completing the prestigious Irish National Stud Breeding and Management Course as the Gerry Dilger Scholarship recipient, earning the program's Silver Medal. She was then selected for the Godolphin Flying Start program, where she graduated with distinction in June 2026. Her sales experience includes time spent working with the respected bloodstock team of agent Marette Farrell, Blandford Stud, and Taylor Made Sales Agency, both at the sales and with their Thoroughbred advisers. Other international placements through Flying Start included working at Inglis (Australia) and with Donnacha O'Brien's Bawnmore Racing Stable. "Having completed my incredible time with Godolphin Flying Start, I could not be more excited to begin the next chapter of my career with Four Star Sales," Hamilton said. "Throughout my prior work and time at Flying Start, I've always been drawn to the sales side of the Thoroughbred industry. After gaining experience across breeding, sales, and racing in several countries, I'm truly excited to bring those experiences back to Kentucky and contribute to a team that has earned such a strong reputation for horsemanship, integrity, and client service. I look forward to continuing to learn while helping Four Star's clients achieve their goals." Bloodstock agent Farrell, who worked closely with Hamilton early in her career, believes the partnership is an ideal match. "We loved having Grace as part of our team for the last few years. Grace has the rare combination of intelligence, humility, and an exceptional work ethic," Farrell said. "She approaches every opportunity with genuine curiosity and has always wanted to learn not just what we do, but why we do it. Grace understands that our business is built on relationships and trust and naturally inspires that in everyone she meets. "I can't think of a better place for her than Four Star. Kerry and his team have always invested in talented young people who are committed to doing things the right way, and I believe Grace will thrive in that environment." Kerry Cauthen, managing partner and co-founder of Four Star Sales, said, "My former partner and mentor, John T.L. Jones Jr., gave a ton of people, especially those just starting out, a leg up in our industry. Whenever our company is growing, I have always tried to follow suit by adding younger professionals who genuinely love this industry and are committed to learning every day," Cauthen said. "Grace certainly fits that description. She made the decision at 16 years old that this was the career she wanted, and she has pursued that goal with tremendous purpose ever since. She has worked hard, asked thoughtful questions, and gained a broad understanding of breeding, sales and racing very quickly. "We are confident she will add fresh energy, knowledge and new perspective to our team while helping us continue to provide the highest level of service to our clients. We are very excited to welcome her to Four Star." Hamilton will work alongside fellow Flying Start graduate George Connolly, joining Elizabeth Minneci, David Lanigan, and A.J. Jutte at the company's offices in Lexington. Hamilton will also be working closely with Ashley Franz, who will begin with Warrendale Sales after the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. "We are very appreciative that Ashley has stayed on to introduce Grace to our clients and for her continued commitment through the beginning of the yearling sale season. Ashley will be genuinely missed, both professionally and as a great friend of our team. We all wish her the very best in her future," Cauthen said.