McKathan Brothers Thoroughbreds

Owner(s): J.B. McKathan and Kevin McKathan
Born: Both Orlando, Fla., J.B. in 1965; Kevin in 1967
Location: Citra, Fla.
Racing Background: Their father, J.B. "Luke" McKathan, is a lifelong horseman who has plied his trade in every facet of the business ... The brothers were born in the Orlando area while their father trained Quarter Horses at Seminole Downs. The family moved to Georgia for awhile when the elder McKathan managed a Quarter Horse farm there ... From Georgia, they moved to South Florida and that racing circuit ... Finally, the family settled in Ocala as Luke McKathan decided to switch to pinhooking and training on the farm ... Both brothers went from high school straight into the horse business
Racing Career: At 18, J.B. got his trainer's license and took over his father's clients. Based at River Downs in Ohio, he was the track's leading trainer at the age of 20 and saddled stakes winners Minnieoso and Monsieur Champlain ... Two years later, after high school graduation, Kevin also went into training
Breeding/Racing Operation: In 1988, the McKathan brothers returned to Ocala to start their own full-service operation ... The brothers own and operate a 200-acre training, boarding and breaking center near Ocala. They are involved in sales prep, buying, track prep and rehabilitation ... They are probably best known for their assocation with trainer Bob Baffert ... They have helped select many of his best horses as yearlings or two-year-olds and have given many of them their first racetrack education ... They list Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm and Real Quiet as their two greatest successes and also have played a role in the careers of Silverbulletday, Chilukki, Captain Steve, Prime Timber, Exploit, Forestry, El Corredor and Congaree ... More recently, 2007 Breeders' Cup hopefuls Midnight Lute (Sprint) and Tale of Ekati (Juvenile) have graduated from their program ... They also have had many horses for Zayat Stable ... Currently, there are 125 horses in training on their Ocala facility and they have another three at the racetrack, including Juvenile Turf contender Preachin Man ... In 2007, the McKathan Brothers have been at the heart of the debate over the practice of undisclosed commissions brought to light by owners such as Jim McIngvale and Jess Jackson, who have both filed various lawsuits against different parties over the last two years ... In April, they reached a settlement with McIngvale.