Morgan Joins Buckland Sales as Director of Bloodstock

Buckland Sales Agency announced this week that Lauren Morgan has joined the team as director of bloodstock. She will handle client relations, horse evaluations, and other bloodstock services for the consignment agency. 

Morgan, a native of Troy, Mich., most recently worked for Vinery Sales as a sales and bloodstock consultant. Prior to that, she handled client relations and bloodstock services for Darby Dan Farm. She is a graduate of Michigan State University, during which time she completed an internship with Shadwell Farm in Lexington and fell in love with the Bluegrass and Kentucky's Thoroughbred industry. 

"I made it a point to gain as much experience as I could in all aspects of the industry after graduating college. I felt it was necessary to understand the importance of every job in the business, which helps me be well-rounded and appreciative of the roles that we all play in the lives of these horses," said Morgan. "I grew to love sales and knew that I had found my niche when I started to develop my own client base. The personal relationships I have formed with my clients and seeing all of their hard work pay off in the sale ring is what makes me love this part of the business. My clients are like family and when they succeed, there is no greater feeling." 

Zach Madden, the principal for Buckland Sales, launched the consignment agency in 2015, presenting his inaugural draft of horses at the breeding stock sales that year. Since then, Buckland's graduates have included graded stakes winners Biddy Duke  and Chocolate Martini , as well as 2020 Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) runner-up Caracaro  , who stood his first year at stud at Crestwood Farm in 2021. 

Upon graduation, Morgan moved to Lexington and gained experience working as a veterinary assistant during the breeding season for Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, then with yearlings during sales prep season at WinStar Farm.

"I came to know Zach through a mutual client. The more we got to know each other, Zach and I realized we were very similar in our approach, and the opportunity to work together presented itself very organically," said Morgan. "I am excited to be part of the Buckland team because it is important to me that the people for whom we sell horses receive the very best service. Zach's work ethic, knowledge, and experience are all huge assets and I am thankful that I get to be part of growing and representing Buckland Sales."

"Lauren has worked incredibly hard to gain hands-on experience with some of the best operations in the game. I feel incredibly fortunate to have her on our team and I am very excited for Buckland's future," said Madden.

Morgan's interest in horse racing developed at a young age when she and her father would watch the races together on television or in person when they could. His love of the sport, and the knowledge he shared as they handicapped and strategized together, inspired Morgan to pursue a career in the industry. 

"My dad was my best friend and racing is something we always enjoyed together," said Morgan. "I lost him in 2017 to cancer, so it means a lot to me that I will always have those memories with him that got me started with Thoroughbreds."

Outside of work, Morgan has a talent for interior design and enjoys consulting on home décor projects, as well as riding her off-track Thoroughbred "Theo" (by Uncle Mo  ). She and her husband, Justin, live in Lexington with their pit bull, Louie.